Understanding Educational Evaluations: A Complete Guide

What is an Educational Evaluation?

An educational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your child's academic skills, cognitive abilities, and functional performance. It's used to determine eligibility for special education services and to identify your child's specific needs.

Types of Evaluations

Initial Evaluation

• Required before a child can receive special education services
• Must be completed within 60 days of parental consent
• Includes multiple assessments across different areas
• Results in an eligibility determination

Reevaluation

• Required at least every 3 years
• Can be requested more frequently if needed
• Reviews progress and continuing eligibility
• Updates present levels of performance

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

• Conducted by a qualified professional outside the school district
• Parents can request if they disagree with school's evaluation
• District must pay for IEE or file for due process
• Results must be considered by IEP team

Common Assessment Areas

Cognitive/Intelligence Testing

What it measures:
• Overall intellectual ability
• Reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Processing speed
• Working memory

Common tests:

• WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities

Academic Achievement

What it measures:
• Reading skills (decoding, fluency, comprehension)
• Math skills (calculation, problem-solving)
• Written expression
• Oral language

Common tests:

• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT)
• Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA)

Adaptive Behavior

What it measures:
• Daily living skills
• Social skills
• Communication skills
• Self-care abilities

Common tests:

• Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
• Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS)

Social-Emotional/Behavioral

What it measures:
• Emotional regulation
• Social interactions
• Behavioral concerns
• Mental health factors

Common assessments:

• Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC)
• Conners Rating Scales
• Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

Understanding Test Scores

Standard Scores

• Average score is 100
• Most people score between 85-115
• Scores below 70 may indicate significant delays
• Scores are compared to same-age peers

Percentile Ranks

• Shows what percentage of peers scored lower
• 50th percentile = average
• 16th percentile or below may indicate need for support
• Easier for parents to understand than standard scores

Age/Grade Equivalents

• Shows the age or grade level of performance
• Can be misleading - use with caution
• Doesn't account for rate of learning
• Better to focus on standard scores and percentiles

The Evaluation Process

Step 1: Referral

• Parent or teacher requests evaluation
• School has 15 days to respond
• Must provide Prior Written Notice
• Evaluation plan must be proposed

Step 2: Consent

• Parent must provide written consent
• Can revoke consent at any time
• Evaluation must begin within reasonable time
• Timeline starts when consent is received

Step 3: Assessment

• Multiple assessments in all areas of concern
• Conducted by qualified professionals
• May include classroom observations
• Parent input is required

Step 4: Evaluation Report

• Comprehensive written report
• Includes all test results and observations
• Discusses strengths and needs
• Makes recommendations for services

Step 5: Eligibility Meeting

• IEP team reviews evaluation results
• Determines if child meets eligibility criteria
• Discusses need for special education services
• Parent is equal member of team

Red Flags in Evaluations

Watch out for:

• Single test used to make decisions
• Evaluations conducted in language child doesn't speak
• Missing assessments in areas of concern
• Outdated or inappropriate tests
• Evaluator not qualified in area being assessed
• Parent input not included
• Rushed or incomplete evaluations

Questions to Ask About Evaluations

Before the Evaluation:

• What specific tests will be used and why?
• Who will conduct each assessment?
• How long will the evaluation take?
• When will results be available?
• Can I observe any of the testing?

After the Evaluation:

• What do these scores mean for my child?
• How do results compare to previous evaluations?
• What are my child's strengths?
• What areas need support?
• Do results support eligibility for services?
• What services are recommended?

Your Rights Regarding Evaluations

You Have the Right To:

• Request an evaluation at any time
• Provide input about areas of concern
• Review all evaluation materials
• Obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation
• Disagree with evaluation results
• Request additional assessments
• Have evaluations in your native language
• Receive a copy of the evaluation report

Schools Must:

• Evaluate in all areas of suspected disability
• Use qualified evaluators
• Use multiple measures and sources
• Complete evaluation within required timeline
• Provide results in understandable language
• Consider your input and concerns

Using Evaluation Results

In the IEP:

• Results inform Present Levels (PLAAFP)
• Help identify appropriate goals
• Guide service recommendations
• Support accommodation needs
• Inform placement decisions

For Advocacy:

• Document your child's needs
• Support requests for services
• Track progress over time
• Identify effective interventions
• Justify need for additional support

When to Request a Reevaluation

Consider requesting a reevaluation if:

• Your child isn't making expected progress
• You suspect additional disabilities
• Current services don't seem appropriate
• Significant changes in your child's needs
• Previous evaluation is outdated
• You disagree with current eligibility determination

Conclusion

Educational evaluations are powerful tools for understanding your child's needs and advocating for appropriate services. Take time to review results carefully, ask questions, and ensure evaluations are comprehensive and accurate.

Remember: You are the expert on your child. If evaluation results don't match what you see at home, speak up and request additional assessments or an Independent Educational Evaluation.