By Dr. Derek Ihori and Dr. Alexia Melara

From pre-referral to FAPE considerations after Endrew F., the process of special education referral, assessment, eligibility and IEP development is cumbersome and filled with legal requirements you have to meet. Here's your one-stop guide through every step - detailing not only what you should do, but also why it should be done, specific examples of how it should be done and common mistakes to avoid.

Along with illustrations of how information should be documented and which data should be used to make decisions, you get strategies to:

• Quantify and describe student performance during the assessment process
• Create a thorough Present Levels of Performance page that reflects the student's levels of achievement, disability and potential for growth
• Align goals to the student's deficits
• Document discussion of the student's unique circumstances in IEP meeting notes
• Analyze the educational benefit that a student has received over time

Plus, you get even more practical guidance with sample language and model documents including Peer Comparison Observation Form, Sample Meeting Notes Template, IEP Items Checklist and more!