It sometimes comes as a shock to parents that they are encouraged to be actively involved in the assessment and evaluation of children with disabilities. After all, most parents aren’t trained to administer or interpret these tests. Yet parents play a critical role in the assessment process, and your involvement will benefit both you and your child.
Understanding Assessments and Evaluations
Children with disabilities will be evaluated many times throughout their educational career. We’re all used to traditional forms of assessment; tests teachers give as part of their regular instruction and perhaps standardized tests parents took when in school. But children with disabilities will be assessed in additional ways. These assessments begin with the process of determining eligibility for special education services and will continue at regular intervals as long as a child receives those services.
Different assessments will be administered to children based on their unique needs. However, they will almost always include a mix of academic, psychological and behavioral assessments. Some of these will be formal assessments using a specific assessment tool, checklist or survey. Others will be more informal and based on observation. Regardless, the purpose is to identify a child’s unique strengths and areas of need to develop appropriate educational plans and supports.
Your Role in the Process
Parents are naturally a child’s first teacher.You’re also the ones who will be with that child consistently from year to year, while educators and therapists may come and go. You see how the child behaves and interacts in different environments, providing valuable information to your child’s educational team. That information, as well as how the child has progressed and developed over time, is information that only you can provide.
Preparing for Evaluation
Evaluations of your child will not occur in a vacuum. You will be notified that an evaluation is needed or requested, and schools cannot evaluate your child for special education services without your consent. When you know an evaluation is approaching, there are things you can do to prepare. Collect relevant medical, educational and developmental history records. Make notes about your observations and concerns. Prepare your questions and topics for discussion.
During the Assessment
As a member of the evaluation team, you are not a passive by-stander. Instead, parents are encouraged to actively participate in the process. Attend meetings, provide input and share insights about your child’s learning style and behaviors. Advocate for your child by ensuring that assessments are conducted in a supportive and non-stressful environment, and request accommodations and modifications as needed.
After the Evaluation
After an evaluation is completed, all assessment data will be shared with you. Review assessment reports and ask for clarification in understanding key teams or any unclear points. Participate in meetings to discuss results and implications and work with the educational team to develop an IEP or 504 plan to provide services or accommodations at school to help your child learn and thrive.
Keep Collaborating
Assessment and evaluation is not a one-time event. It’s a cycle of collaboration, learning and planning that should grow and develop with your child. Regularly communicate with your child’s educational team about their progress. Trust your instincts and what you know about your child and family. Remain proactive and persistent while taking time to develop and nurture. a working relationship with your child’s teachers and therapists. Finally, remember that your involvement has a positive impact on your child’s educational journey. Working together, you and your child’s educational team can conduct meaningful evaluations that will help ensure the best and most appropriate educational decisions to meet your child’s needs over time.
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