Orcutt Union School District

A pupil qualifies as an individual with exceptional needs if the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team decides, based on assessment results, that the degree of the pupil’s impairment requires special education in one or more of the program options authorized by Education Code. The IEP team must take into account all relevant data that is available on the pupil. No single score or product of scores may be used as the sole criterion for the decision as to the pupil’s eligibility for special education. A child may not be determined to have a disability if the determinant factor is lack of instruction in reading or math, or limited English proficiency. 

Three primary factors are considered in determining eligibility for special education: 

1. Does the pupil meet the eligibility criteria as an individual with a disability?
2. Does the severity of the disability have an adverse effect on the pupil’s educational performance?
3. Does the pupil require special education and related services to access a free and appropriate public education?

Students who have been diagnosed with Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) may qualify for special education services if they also meet eligibility under one of the fourteen disability categories, such as Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired, or Emotional Disability.