5 Questions About Special Education Evaluations

I am excited to introduce this week’s guest blogger, Christen LaChance, M.Ed. She is a licensed diagnostician, Master IEP Coach® and experienced special educator.

Christen is experienced in doing psychoeducational evaluations for schools and the private sector for children, teens and adults. She also works with families directly, helping them navigate the special education process. Christen is here to explain the basics of psychoeducational evaluations, and tips for handling the process.

Thinking your child needs an evaluation can sound scary, but I can assure you it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re experiencing a new issue or battling a problem for a long time, requesting an evaluation may be the right move. It’s easier to understand than you think, so here’s my guide answering the most frequently asked questions. 

How do I ask for an evaluation?

A referral for an evaluation can come from either the parent(s) or school staff, and it could happen for a number of reasons. If you have concerns about the child’s ability to make academic and behavioral progress in school, that’s reason enough. The best referrals include information on previous interventions and what worked/didn’t work. Requesting an evaluation should happen when other attempts haven’t shown results.

Make sure the request is available in writing, whether by letter or email, so it’s easier to keep track of dates and deadlines vs. phone calls.

How often does an evaluation happen?

After an initial evaluation takes place, it is a requirement by law to happen again every 3 years. These are often called triennial evaluations. Reevaluations are to make sure the child still qualifies for services. I know 3 years can seem like a long time, but sometimes it can take that long for a child to truly grow and soak-in the interventions over time. (However, should a specific concern arise before the 3 year due date, another one can take place. Just ask!) 

Ask for an electronic copy of the report so it’s easy to send to those who need it, like family members, or to another school if you move. 

What is in an evaluation, and who does one?

Most evaluations include achievement testing (academic skills), cognitive testing (brain functioning), emotional/behavioral reports, and health screenings.

Most evaluations include a team, and depending on where you live, this can include: a diagnostician/psychometrist, a school psychologist, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational or physical therapist, and/or a behavior specialist. The evaluation is specific to the child! I’ve been on evaluation teams that include audiologists and licensed professional counselors as well.

If the child is seeing a professional outside of the school for an issue before, include all of that documentation. It can really help the evaluation team make better decisions when they get the full picture.

How long does this process take?

There are many factors that impact how quickly an evaluation can take, such as availability of staff, student absences, or holidays. The age and attention level is also a factor. Sometimes it can take longer to evaluate younger children because they don’t have the capacity to sit or concentrate for longer periods compared to a high school student.)

Depending on where you live, the legal requirements can range from 60, 45, or 30 days for completing the evaluation after signed consent. Check your specific state’s regulations.

My tip: If you’re a parent, have some grace when communicating with the evaluation team – in the world of Covid, virtual barriers, and nationwide staff shortages, it can be more difficult than ever to complete things as quickly as before. A little compassion can go a long way!

What happens when it is completed?

If the evaluation team finds the presence of a disability, then it’s determined if there is an educational need for services. Yes, you will go through the process of developing an IEP (Individualized Education Plan.)

If the evaluation team does not find the presence of a disability, you will still receive the report. They may recommend other avenues, like a 504 plan or other interventions that are not necessarily special education services. 

Always ask if you need clarification, and there’s no such thing as a silly question. Do you have more questions about evaluations? Send me an email at [email protected]

Looking to learn more about transition meetings, read this post

Want more ways to support students in the classroom with evaluations, check this blog post!

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