OAR 581-015-2120: Determination of Eligibility

(1) Upon completing the administration of assessments and other evaluation materials, a team must determine whether the child is a child with a disability under OAR 581-015-2130 through 581-015-2180 and the educational needs of the child. (a) The team must include the parent, in accordance with OAR 581-015-2190, and two or more qualified professionals, at least one of whom is knowledgeable and experienced in the evaluation and education of children with the suspected disability. This team may be the child's IEP team. (b) For a child suspected of having a specific learning disability, the team must meet the requirements of OAR 581-015-2170. (2) The team must prepare an evaluation report and written statement of eligibility. (a) The evaluation report(s) must describe and explain the results of the evaluation conducted. (b) The written statement of eligibility must include: (A) A list of the evaluation data considered in determining the child's eligibility; (B) A determination of whether the child meets the minimum evaluation criteria for one of the disability categories in OAR 581-015-2130 through 581-015-2180 or 581-015-2795; (C) A determination of whether the primary basis for the suspected disability is: (i) A lack of appropriate instruction in reading (including the essential components of reading) or math; or (ii) Limited English proficiency; (D) A determination of whether the child's disability has an adverse impact on the child's educational performance; (E) A determination of whether, as a result of the disability, the child needs special education services; and (F) The signature of each member of the team indicating agreement or disagreement with the eligibility determination. (c) For a child suspected of having a specific learning disability, the team's written report and documentation of determination of eligibility must meet the requirements of OAR 581-015-2170. (3) The team must determine a child to be eligible under this rule if the child has a disability and needs special education and related services, even though the child is advancing from grade to grade. (4) For a child who may have disabilities in more than one category, the team need only qualify the child under one disability category. However, the child must be evaluated in all areas related to the suspected disability or disabilities, and the child's IEP must address all of the child's special education needs. (5) The team may not find a child eligible for special education services if: (a) The determinant factor for that eligibility decision is: (A) Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction, or lack of appropriate instruction in math; or (B) Limited English proficiency; and (b) The child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria under OAR 581-015-2130 through 581-015-2180. (6) The school district must provide a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of eligibility to the parent at no cost.