Note from the Commissioner
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), Bureau of Special Education (BSE) provides guidance to school
districts, parents, school personnel and other professionals. Such guidance is related to disability determinations
and requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and state statute to
determine eligibility for special education and related services. The revised
Guidelines for Identifying and Educating Students with Emotional Disability (2012) are a revision of the
Guidelines for Identifying and Educating Students with Serious Emotional Disability published by the CSDE
in 1997. The guidelines are intended to provide guidance to school teams, parents or guardians, surrogate parents
and mental health professionals, to make appropriate decisions regarding eligibility and specialized services
for students with emotional disability (ED) as defined in the IDEA 2004. The principles and practices provided
in this document also assist school teams in addressing the needs of children experiencing significant behavioral
and emotional difficulties and/or children suspected of having an emotional disability. The identified goals of the 2012 revised guideline document include the provision of recommended practices and procedures
concerning assessment, determination of eligibility; and non-biased, culturally relevant and nondiscriminatory
identification processes. Additionally, the document provides examples of scientific research-based interventions
(SRBI) aimed at improving academic outcomes for students experiencing ED. References to current legislation and
regulations affecting students identified as eligible for special education due to an emotional disability,
as well as current best practices in meeting the needs of students with ED, are also provided.
Stefan Pryor
Commissioner of Education