Chapter 3. Assessment

Highlights of the Law:IDEA 1997 Strengthens the role of parents Ensures access to the general education curriculum Increases attention to racial, ethnic and linguistic diversity Requires transition planning at age 14 Encourages working out parent-school differences through mediation

Stages of the Assessment-Teaching Process Referral Stages Assessment Stages Instructional Stages Pre-referral Referral & Initial Planning Multidisciplinary Evaluation IEP meeting Implementing the Teaching Plan Monitoring Progress

Stages of the IEP

Participants at the IEP Meeting Parents Regular education teacher Special Education teacher LEA (local education agency) representative Person who can interpret instructional implications of evaluation Child, if appropriate Others invited by parents or school who have special knowledge

Contents of the IEP Meeting (1) Present levels of performance Annual goals and benchmarks (short- term objectives) Special education services needed Explanation of the extent to which child will not participate in general education

Contents of the IEP Meeting (2) Individual modifications in the administration of achievement tests or explanation of why such modifications are not appropriate. A projected date for beginning services and anticipated services, frequency, location, and duration. Measures of progress toward annual goals.