A full and individual evaluation is ensured for each student being considered for special education. This is a problem-solving process involving many ways of collecting information. Information may be gathered through informal and formal observations, review of records and school work, discussion with teachers, standardized testing and checklists.
Reasons for evaluation include
· determination of a disability requiring special education services (specially designed instruction and related services), and
· determination of a student's educational needs.
Parents will receive notice of a Planning and Placement Team meeting to discuss the evaluation plan for their child.
A multidisciplinary team, a group of professionals, must conduct the evaluation. This team includes at least one teacher or other specialist with knowledge in the area of the student's suspected disability.
More than one instrument or procedure must be used as a basis for determining need for services
Tests must be non-discriminatory and administered in the student's native language and primary means of communication.
The team must collect information from a variety of sources which may include observations, parent interview, and review of pertinent medical history.
Parents must be informed in their native language of the school's intent to evaluate their child and of their rights pertaining to special education services.
Parents must give their consent in writing before any evaluation can take place.
Once the evaluation has been completed, the results will be shared with parents. They may wish to discuss the results at an informal meeting prior to the PPT. They should make sure they fully understand the results and conclusions drawn from the evaluation so that they may work confidently with professionals in planning services for their child. If a parent disagrees with the results, they may request an independent evaluation. The independent evaluator must be certified/licensed and qualified to conduct the evaluation. The Board of Education must pay for the independent evaluation or initiate due process if the school's evaluation is believed to be appropriate. The PPT may request, if appropriate, that the parent's personal insurance be used to help defray the cost of all independent evaluations agreed to by the PPT.