Just because a student is detained does automatically mean they have a disability. The special education process is lengthy and often schools have a program set up that tries to help students prior to receiving special education services. As a special education teacher in NC, our school system has what is called a student support team that implements interventions along with additional tutoring and academic services as part of the special education referral process. To qualify for special ed services, lack of appropriate instruction must be ruled out as well as qualifying for a disability in a specific area. The best and quickest method for students to be referred for testing is to have a parent write a letter stating that they want their student tested.