Who

Special education evaluations are typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals, which may include the following individuals:

1. Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs): LSSPs are trained professionals who specialize in assessing students’ cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning. They conduct psychological assessments, interpret assessment results, and provide recommendations for educational interventions and supports.
2. Special Education Teachers: Special education teachers have expertise in working with students with disabilities and designing individualized educational programs to meet their unique needs. They may contribute insights into the student’s academic performance, learning style, and instructional strategies that would benefit the student.
3. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): SLPs assess and provide intervention for students with communication disorders, including speech, language, and social communication difficulties. They evaluate students’ speech and language skills, identify areas of need, and recommend appropriate interventions and accommodations.
4. Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs): OTs and PTs assess students’ fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and functional performance in school-related activities. They provide recommendations for therapeutic interventions, assistive technology, and environmental modifications to support students’ participation in the educational setting.
5. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or School Counselors: Counselors may be involved in conducting social-emotional assessments, identifying students’ emotional and behavioral needs, and providing counseling services to support students’ social and emotional well-being.
6. Educational Diagnosticians: Educational diagnosticians specialize in assessing students’ educational needs and identifying learning disabilities and other educational challenges. They conduct academic assessments, interpret assessment results, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop appropriate educational plans for students.
7. Medical Professionals: In some cases, medical professionals, such as pediatricians, neurologists, or other specialists, may be consulted to provide medical information, diagnostic evaluations, or recommendations for students with complex medical needs or disabilities.
8. Parents and Guardians: Parents and guardians play a critical role in the evaluation process by providing consent for the evaluation, sharing relevant information about their child’s development and educational history, and participating in interviews and meetings with the evaluation team. Parental input is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the student’s needs and developing appropriate recommendations.

The specific composition of the evaluation team may vary depending on the student’s individual needs, the purpose of the evaluation, and the requirements of the school district. However, all evaluations should be conducted by qualified professionals who have expertise in assessing students with disabilities and designing appropriate educational interventions and supports to meet their needs.