In the referral process, which step involves a formal request for evaluation?

• A. Identification
• B. Referral
• C. Intervention
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the moment a formal request for an evaluation is made moves the process from noticing concerns to actively initiating assessment. In the referral step, teachers, parents, or school staff submit a written request for an evaluation to determine if the student may need special education services. This step officially triggers the evaluation team to plan and conduct the assessments needed to decide eligibility.

Identification is about recognizing concerns or areas where the student might need help. Intervention involves trying targeted supports first to address those concerns. Evaluation is the actual set of assessments to determine whether a disability or need for services exists. So the formal request for evaluation is the referral.