Evaluation of Children
Before evaluation, parents are told the following information:
- Who referred the child for evaluation
- Why the child was referred
- How to review the child’s school records
- What procedures and types of evaluation will be used
- That parent involvement in any testing procedure be encouraged.
- The schedule for the evaluation process
- The rights of the parent regarding consent for evaluation.
Evaluations are conducted by a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to determine such things as the child’s learning ability, behavior patterns, physical abilities and communication skills. The team is made up of the parents, a teacher, school principal and school psychologist. The team may include a special education teacher, supervisor, speech therapist, counselor and other staff as necessary. Methods used in the evaluation include observation, review of records, and group and individual testing information is gathered from school personnel, medical personnel and parents. Results of the evaluation are gathered from school personnel, medical personnel and parents. Results of the evaluation are reviewed by the team to determine if special education services are needed. If special education placement is recommended, parents are part of the team that determines exceptional and develops an Individual Education Program (IEP) for the child. No evaluation may be conducted without written parental permission. Parents who do not consent to an evaluation may be asked to attend a conference with the teacher, principal, psychologist and other remedial education staff.