Best Practices for Reevaluation Exceptional Children and Intervention Services Convocation August 22, 2007

Reevaluation vs. Re-testing  Reevaluation is the process to consider the appropriateness of a student’s classification. This may include reviewing existing data or collecting new data or both.  Re-Testing is collecting new data to consider the student’s classification.

Re-testing is expensive!  Contract Psychologist’s fee  School Resources  Student time  Parent time  Teacher time  Administrative time

Re-Testing Can Have Unexpected Results!  Every time a student is re-tested, he/she may not meet the criteria for special services eligibility.  Failing to meet eligibility requirements leads to dismissal from special services.

Required for Special Services  Meet eligible disability definition  Negative impact on academic performance  Need for specially designed instruction MUST HAVE ALL THREE

Re-testing:  Not to be avoided without cause  Not to be undertaken lightly and without just cause

When should we re-test?  Parental request  Ask, “What do want to happen because of new data?”  Most parental concerns can be addressed through the IEP.  Try to encourage a new or amended IEP rather than re-testing.

When should we re-test?  Confirm classification  IDEA no longer requires TESTING every three years.  NCDPI STRONGLY recommends that a student be re-tested at least once to confirm the classification.

When should we re-test?  Request of Judge or Court order  Our only response: “Yes, your Honor!”

When should we re-test?  College-bound Seniors  Many colleges and universities require a recent psychological evaluation in order to provide services at the college level.  Try to schedule these for second semester of 12 th grade.

When should we re-test?  Compelling reason to believe that the student is ready to leave special services.  Student is mainstreamed with minimal special support.  Student is making “As” and “Bs.”  Student is making “4s” on the EOC/EOGs.

What this means for your students?  Most students will be tested & re- tested in elementary school and/or in middle school (depending on original placement).

What this means for your students?  If the scores at initial and re-test are similar, then further re-testing may not be necessary.  If scores are not similar or support different classifications, then further re-testing may be warranted at the student’s next anniversary.

What this means for your students?  Developmentally Delayed (DD) students usually have no compelling reason to retest until the second semester of 2 nd grade.

Questions?

Contact Information Toni Braswell School Psychologist Lenoir County Public Schools ECIS Central Rochelle   FAX