Which option best describes the order of steps in the referral process for special education services?

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

Answer: (A)

Understanding the order of steps in the referral process helps ensure students receive the right supports at the right time. First, identification involves noticing when a student is not progressing or may have a disability—this is where concerns are recognized. Next, intervention is put in place in the general education setting to address those gaps with targeted strategies and supports. If the student continues to struggle despite these efforts, a referral is made to consider a special education evaluation. Finally, an evaluation is conducted to determine whether the student has a disability and what services are needed.

This sequence—Identification, Intervention, Referral, Evaluation—fits how educators typically approach concerns: observe and recognize, try supports in the general setting, formally request evaluation if needed, and then assess to determine eligibility and services. Other sequences place evaluation before a referral or push evaluation ahead of providing initial interventions, which doesn’t align with the standard process.