Before initiating a referral for testing for special diagnosis, teachers first attempt to deal with a child's learning or behavioral problems by making modifications in the regular classroom. If these modifications fail to address the difficulties the child is experiencing adequately and the teacher believes that special services may be warranted, then the referral process is set into motion. TATs typically consist of a team of three teachers with the referring teacher as the fourth member. The TAT model provides a forum where teachers meet and brainstorm ideas for teaching or managing a student. Such procedures must be used with care, however, as they provide only a preliminary sign that a child has a disability.
Additional testing is required to affirm or disprove the presence of a handicapping condition.
If a disability is identified during follow-up assessment, the focus shifts to providing the student with an appropriate education.