Dual Language Assessment (DLA) Service
The CLiDES Process

Contact:
(703) 876-5294

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to offering the least restrictive educational environment for all its students.  Providing extensive interventions and using diverse teaching methodologies in the general education classroom are strongly encouraged and necessary prior to considering special education for any student.  By collaboratively designing and implementing appropriate strategies, the academic and language needs of many LEP students who might otherwise be referred for special education can be addressed effectively within the student's general education and ESOL classrooms.  By encouraging collaboration between general education, special education, and ESOL teachers from the initial stages of concern, the FCPS model described in the  (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Students (CLiDES) Handbook Flowchart and corresponding narrative can help schools develop appropriate intervention plans for at risk and struggling students.

The CLiDES Flowchart details ten steps within the prereferral, referral, eligibility, and placement processes that promote interdisciplinary partnerships, classroom-based interventions, and the reduction of inappropriate referrals for special education consideration.  Understanding the CLiDES flowchart and following its chronology is the key to complying with FCPS Regulation 2217.2.

CLiDES Referral Flowchart and Narrative
(pdf 53KB)
 
 

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