An Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities
Opening the Door to Success | Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Region
What should the evaluation tell me?
The evaluation process gathers the information that will be used to determine if your child needs special education and, if so, the types of programs and services needed. Your child may be evaluated by a school psychologist. Other evaluations may include tests by a hearing specialist for a child with a hearing problem, or an evaluation from a doctor for a child with a health concern. The evaluation must also include input from a therapist if certain related services, such as speech or occupational therapy, may be needed.
The evaluation will include information about your child’s skills, social-emotional status, behavior strengths and needs, learning strengths, and educational needs.
All evaluations and reevaluations must include a review of the testing and assessments that were conducted, information from the parents and/or guardians, classroom observations, and the observations of teachers and related service personnel.
The evaluation or reevaluation must also tell you what additions or changes are needed to help your child meet goals which will be described in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), and to take part in and progress in the general curriculum (the skills and knowledge taught in a specific school district).
An evaluation team reviews all materials and writes a report called an Evaluation Report (ER). This report tells if your child has one or more disabilities and if your child needs special education. It makes recommendations about the types of services your child needs. The ER may state that your child is not eligible and does not need special education services. You will receive a written notice of this determination and have the right to disagree and may request an independent educational evaluation or request a due process hearing.
Source: Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education for School Age Children - July 2008 Chapter 14 Regulations. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education; Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network.