Information Gathering: What to Include When Assessing Student

Parent report of: Current concerns about student’s learning(i.e., “What are your biggest concerns for J at this time?) Perception of student’s strengths and challenges( i.e., “Describe for me what he’s really good at – what he loves – and what can be more difficult for him.) Developmental history, including: Any delays in walking/talking/toileting) Any loss […]

Questions to Ask When Someone Expresses Concerns about a Student

1.  What is the student’s name, age, grade, school, does child have an IEP or 504? Where was child educated last school year (i.e., in district – get name of teacher; out of district – ask any relevant questions – did family move? Did child return from a specialized program, etc.) 2.  Who raised the […]

Questions to Ask During Referral Process

Student’s name:  ____________________________ Age:  ________ Grade:  ________                 School:__________________________ Form Completed by:  ______________________________________ Position:  ________________________  Date:  _________________   Information gathered by (circle all that apply): in person               by telephone                        by email   Information gathered from (circle all that apply): classroom teacher     special education teacher     paraprofessional     learning specialist/gifted/talented teacher     speech pathologist…..occupational therapist     physical therapist     allied health […]

Family Resources and Further Reading

How To Share Information about Disability with Families:   Practical Guidance for Practitioners Shea, V. (1984). Explaining mental retardation and autism to parents. In E. Schopler & G.B. Mesibov (Eds.), The effects of autism on the family (pp. 265-288). New York: Plenum Press. Shea, V. (1993). Interpreting results to parents of preschool children. In Schopler, M. […]

Feedback Games

SITUATION: Reggie, a 5th grader, is new to the district.  The school team is concerned that he is not keeping up with 5th grade work.  The school team initiated this meeting with Reggie’s parents.  The goal of the meeting is to share information about concerns and obtain consent for assessment. PLAYERS: 4 MOM DAD GEN. […]

Using Detail When Writing About Impact of ASD Symptoms

Examples of BROAD STATEMENTS OF IMPACT “ have the potential to significantly impact this student’s educational, social and vocational opportunities.” For example:  “Communication challenges have the potential to significantly impact this student’s educational, social and vocational opportunities.” WITH MORE DETAILS: “Without some supports and interventions focused on this student will likely experience … (choose one […]