Are school counselors responsible for determining which students are eligible for special education?

School counselors are not responsible for determining student eligibility for special education. This determination is typically made through a multi-disciplinary evaluation process that involves various professionals, including special education teachers, psychologists, and other specialists who assess the student's needs. The role of the school counselor primarily focuses on providing support to students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development rather than making eligibility decisions for special education services.

Additionally, understanding the eligibility process is vital as it often includes individual education planning (IEP) teams that meet to evaluate a student's needs based on a comprehensive assessment. While school counselors may contribute to the process by providing information about a student’s performance and behavior, the final decisions are made collaboratively by a team in accordance with established federal and state regulations governing special education. This distinction highlights the specific role of school counselors in supporting students rather than making eligibility determinations.