Accept/Reject a Student Referral
After a student referral has been submitted by the sending LEA, the AEDY program (either a private provider or in-house provider) needs to accept the referral before the student can be seated in the program. The program may also elect to reject the referral. Follow the steps below to accept or reject a student referral for placement.
The video embedded below includes the steps for Accept/Reject a Student Referral, Determine/Adjust the Presumptive Exit Date, Upload Initial FPR, and Continue Placement OR Exit/Transition Student. Use the embedded video chapters to jump between sections by hovering over the play bar at the bottom of the video screen.
(Step 1) Navigate to your student referrals page, then click on the blue number in the "Incoming Student Referrals" box on the left side of the screen.
(Step 2) This will open a table, "Incoming Student Referrals." You will need to complete this process for each student on the list.
To begin, click "View Referral" in the Options column of the student's row to open the referral.
(Step 3) Use the navigation buttons (either at the bottom of the page, marked "Go to Next Section," or the navigation panel on the left to review the student's referral.
Determine if the student should/can be placed in your AEDY program.
Q: When is it appropriate to place a student in an AEDY program?
A: Students may be placed in an AEDY program if they meet the definition of disruptive ("A student who poses a clear threat to the safety and welfare of other students or the school staff, who creates and unsafe school environment or whose behavior materially interferes with the learning of other students or disrupts the overall educational process") and demonstrate, to a marked degree, one or more of the following behaviors:
Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules
Display or use of controlled substances on school property or during school-affiliated activities
Violent or threatening behavior on school property of during school-affiliated activities
Possession of a weapon on school property, as defined under 8 Pa. C.S. § 912 (relating to possession of weapon on school property)
Commission of a criminal act on school property or during school-affiliated activities
Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy
LEAs are expected to exhaust all intervention methods prior to referral to an AEDY program (with the exception of reasons 2, 3, or 4). Truancy is no longer an acceptable reason for placement in an AEDY program (e.g. high number of absences, skipping classes, eloping from class, etc.).
Q: If the student has been identified as an English Learner, can they still be referred for placement?
A: First, consider the student's native language and culture as well as their adaptation to local culture and school rules. If the student meets the definition of disruptive and exhibits, to a marked degree, one or more of the behaviors in the question above, they may be referred to an AEDY program. Any student identified as English Learner must have an individualized English Learner plan on file with the AEDY provider.
Q: What documentation must be provided between the Sending LEA?
A: Depending upon the student's educational status, some documents will need to be gathered to ensure that the student's educational opportunities are continued in the AEDY program. Examples of documentation that need to be included are the student's IEP, 504 plan, individualized English Learner plan, pertinent medical records, etc. Note that the only document uploaded to the Leader Services system by the Sending LEA is the informal hearing signature page. Consult your AEDY application for an intake checklist (a template is available here).
(Step 4) Navigate to the student's "Demographics" page using the navigation panel on the left. Then click the yellow "Accept/Reject Student Referral from LEA" button at the bottom of the navigation panel.
(Step 5) Use this screen to adjust to whom the email will be sent by using the check boxes next to the LEA contact email addresses. Enter any additional email addresses to which the email should be sent in the text boxes.
If you will accept the student referral, click the green "Accept Student Referral From LEA" button in the center of the screen (letter A in the image below).
If you will reject the student referral, click the "Reject Referral" button at the bottom of the navigation panel on the left (letter B in the image below).
After your program has accepted a student for placement, remember that a behavioral assessment, individualized measurable behavioral goals, and initial FPR must be completed/written within five (5) days of the student being seated in the program.