What is the first step in the process of nondiscriminatory evaluation?

In the context of nondiscriminatory evaluation, screening of all students is positioned as the foundational step for identifying those who may require further evaluation for potential special education services. This initial screening process ensures that all students are assessed to determine their educational needs based on their performance, rather than on biases or assumptions about their abilities.

This broad-based screening helps in recognizing students who may be struggling or who may have special needs but also ensures that the evaluation process is fair and equitable across the entire student population. By first conducting a comprehensive screening, educators can gather valuable information about students' academic and behavioral performance to identify those who warrant a more in-depth evaluation.

Following this step, the subsequent actions, such as referral and nondiscriminatory evaluation, rely on the data collected during the initial screening. Therefore, this step is crucial in laying the groundwork for respectful, informed, and effective identification processes throughout a student's educational journey.