You’ve decided to start the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for your child. After you make the referral request, the school asks you to consent to an evaluation. You want your child evaluated, but you have questions about the process.
This article describes what parents can expect during the IEP evaluation process. It also discusses how evaluation results are used in IEP decision-making.
Overview of the New York City IEP Process
The IEP process begins when someone – usually a parent or teacher – refers a student for evaluation. Once the referral is received, the school has 10 days to send the parent a consent form. The consent form authorizes the school to begin the evaluation process.
In New York City, the school has 30 days from the date of consent to complete the evaluation process. If the child is a K-12 student at an NYC public school, the school’s IEP team will conduct the evaluation at their school. Other rules apply for preschool and private school students.
What Does the Special Education Evaluation Process Involve?
While the evaluation process does examine academic performance, the true goal is to get a full picture of the child’s health, abilities, and areas for growth. To that end, NYC’s special education evaluations address several areas, including:
The Child’s Social History. A member of the IEP team will interview you about your child’s development and family history. They may ask questions such as:
- Whether the child had any developmental delays
- Whether the child, their parents, or siblings have been diagnosed with any learning issues
- When you first noticed their learning issues
- What has already been tried (at home or school) to address their issues
- How you would describe their behavior at home
- What you see as their greatest strengths and challenges
Academic and Psychoeducational Testing. These tests evaluate how your child learns. (We’ll revisit these in a bit.)
Classroom Observation. A professional will visit your child’s class to get a first-hand view of their behavior.
Physical Examination. You will be asked to provide information about your child’s physical health. If your child has had a recent physical, you can get a report from their pediatrician. If not, the IEP team can help you get a free physical.
Other Potential Assessments. Some children may be required to undergo additional assessments. These might include:
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Language and speech assessments
School Records. The IEP team typically reviews a child’s report cards, tests, standardized test scores, disciplinary records, and other academic records. If your child has already had an IEP or 504 Plan, they’ll want to review that as well.
Teacher Observations. Your child’s teacher may be asked to comment on their classroom behavior, including their focus, social skills, and responses to past interventions.
Can I Get My Own Special Education Evaluation?
Yes. Parents have the right to obtain an independent assessment from someone who does not work for the NYC Department of Education (DOE).
Some parents get a private evaluation before referring their child for the IEP process. Other private assessments happen at the same time as the school’s evaluation. Also, many parents who are dissatisfied with the process or results of the school’s evaluation might request an outside evaluator.
The timing and reason for the private evaluation can affect who pays. Parents obviously pay for pre-referral assessments. However, when parents disagree with the DOE’s official assessment, the DOE may pay for the outside assessment.
What Tests Are Given During a Special Education Evaluation?
Several tests may be given during the IEP evaluation process. Each category analyses a different area of concern.
Cognitive Testing. Cognitive tests evaluate a child’s thinking process, such as their visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is a common cognitive test that includes vocabulary questions, puzzles, and pattern tasks.
Academic Testing. While cognitive tests look at how your child learns, academic tests look at what your child has learned thus far. These tests, such as the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement, evaluate reading and math abilities. Often, these tests equate the child’s score to a particular grade level.
Executive Function Assessments. Executive functioning refers to how the brain organizes information, creates plans, and manages emotions. Executive functioning tests, such as the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2), assess skills such as planning, working memory, and time management. Parents and teachers may also be asked to rate the child’s executive functioning abilities.
Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessments. When a child has a history of emotional dysregulation, assessments such as the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) may be administered. These assessments look at a child’s emotional state and emotional regulation skills. Teachers, parents, and, depending on their age, the student may complete the assessment.
What Happens After the Tests and Assessments?
Once all assessments are completed, a member of the IEP team will create a report. This report will summarize the results and their implications for the child’s academic, social, and other strengths and challenges. It will also include the evaluator’s recommendations.
This report is crucial. At the first IEP meeting, the team (which must include you, the parent) must decide whether the child has a disability, and if so, what supports the child needs to excel in school. An IEP can require modifications to the regular instruction. For example, an IEP might require:
- Reading lessons designed for dyslexia
- Coaching in study skills and executive functioning
- Behavioral instruction (e.g., emotional self-regulation)
- Speech and language support
As a parent and part of the IEP team, you are allowed to advocate for your child during the process. And remember, if you disagree with the evaluation results, you can request an independent assessment.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
If the IEP team agrees that your child qualifies for an IEP, the school will have 30 days to start providing services. However, even if they are happy with what is stated in the IEP, they’re often frustrated by the mismatch between what the IEP says and what’s actually provided. In a traditional public school, there might be many reasons for this, such as large class sizes and rigid bell schedules.
If your child needs an IEP or you’re dissatisfied with the implementation of their current IEP, consider Academics West. We are a therapeutic school on New York’s Upper West Side. Our teachers are trained to help students with a wide range of learning challenges, and our small class sizes allow them to provide each student with individualized attention and instruction. Call 212-580-0080 or use our online contact form to schedule an in-person visit.