Knox County Schools Hearing Services Eligibility Determination

DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

Eligibility for special education and related services is determined by the Individual Education Program (IEP) Team.

(Rule 0520-1-9-.01, (20) )
     “A Child Eligible for Special Education” means a child or youth, who meets
     the definition of a child with a disability, and has been determined by an IEP
     Team to be unable to be educated appropriately in the general education
     program without the provision of special education.

Therefore, the IEP Team determines whether:

• a child meets the TN Department of Education eligibility standards as a child with a disability, and
• a child’s needs cannot be met in the general education curriculum without special education.

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS FOR DEAFNESS AND HEARING IMPAIRED

The TN State Department of Special Education eligibility standards for students who are Deaf and/or Hearing Impairment are as follows.  The difference in determination of eligibility is based on the severity of the each child’s hearing loss.

The characteristics as defined below are present and cause an adverse effect on the child’s educational performance in the general curriculum or learning environment.

A child must have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Inability to communicate effectively due to Deafness or Hearing Impairment.
• Inability to perform academically on a level commensurate with the expected level because of Deafness or Hearing Impairment.
• Delayed speech and/or language development due to Deafness or Hearing Impairment.