What is typically the first action taken by a school if parents inquire about special education services due to their child's difficulties in class?

When parents express concerns about their child's difficulties in class and inquire about special education services, the initial step taken by the school is typically pre-referral screening and in-class observation. This stage is crucial as it allows educators to gather detailed information on the child's performance and behavior in the general education setting.

Pre-referral screening involves informal assessment methods to determine if the child is experiencing significant challenges that may warrant further evaluation or intervention. In-class observation provides insights into how the child interacts with peers, engages with the curriculum, and responds to instructional strategies. This process helps educators identify specific academic or behavioral concerns and determine whether these issues can be addressed within the general education environment before considering formal special education services.

This approach ensures that schools take a proactive stance in supporting students and utilize existing resources to intervene early, which can prevent the need for more intensive services down the line. If these initial steps indicate that the child requires additional support, the school can then consider developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), conducting psychological evaluations, or implementing classroom modifications based on the findings from the pre-referral process.