What is an Evaluation?
A special education evaluation is the process for determining whether a
child has a disability and needs special education. The comprehensive
evaluation may look at cognitive, behavioral, physical, and
developmental factors as well as other areas. All this information is
used to determine the child’s educational needs. The evaluation process
establishes a foundation for developing an appropriate educational
program.
The meeting:
You have been invited to attend a meeting to discuss the evaluation
process. At this meeting there will be a group of educators whom you
will meet. This group may consist of a school psychologist, due process
facilitator, special education teacher, speech/language pathologist,
principal, school social worker, and the classroom teacher. At this
meeting you will be asked about your concerns, the teacher will be asked
about their concerns, and then the team, including you, will plan the
evaluation.
Planning the Evaluation:
As the team plans the evaluation, consideration is given to whether
testing or other information is needed in each of the following areas:
· Intellectual Functioning
· Communication
· Health/Physical Status
· Motor Skills
· Academic Performance
· Vision/Hearing
· Emotional/Social/Behavior
· Functional Skills
After the evaluation is planned, a copy of the plan will be mailed to
you for your consent. Once the school receives your consent to proceed,
the school district has thirty school days in which to complete the
evaluation
Completion of Evaluation:
After the evaluation is completed, you will receive a meeting notice
asking you to meet with the team, including parent, to review the
evaluation results. At this time, the team may either determine
eligibility for special education services or determine that your child
does not meet eligibility criteria. If you child qualifies for
services, the team will write an Individual Education Plan (IEP), either
at the same meeting or another meeting to be scheduled.