A referral is a written request for an evaluation that is given to the school district when a child is suspected of having a disability and might be in need special education. A referral is typically made after a student has gone through the Intervention and Referral Service (I&RS) where weaknesses are identified and accommodations tried. A letter of referral may be written to the Director of Special Education, school principal, or other appropriate school official.

A referral to the Child Study Team can be made by a parent, school personnel or an agency concerned with the academic and emotional functioning of students.

Once a referral is received by the Child Study Team, the school district must hold a meeting within 20 calendar days to decide whether an evaluation will be conducted. This meeting includes members of the Child Study Team, the child's teacher and the parents/guardian. If an evaluation will be conducted, a decision is made about what types of testing and other procedures will be used to determine if the child needs special education services and related services. If an evaluation will not be warranted at that time, recommendations may be made with respect to interventions or services that can be provided within general education.