Questions to Ask About Evaluation Plans
From NCLD's IDEA Parent Guide, Chapter 5: Evaluation
Ask these questions to learn about the proposed evaluation plan, such as the timeframe for the evaluation and the opportunities available for parent input.
- What is the school district’s timeframe for completion of the evaluation? Is the timeframe in calendar days or school days?
- What do the proposed tests measure? (Proposed tests frequently measure: academic skill level in reading, math, writing and spelling; intellectual ability; and speech or language development.)
- Does the evaluation include a parent interview? (A parent interview gives you the chance to provide your own observations of the child, express your concerns, and ask that your input be included in the evaluation report.)
- Does the proposed evaluation address all of your concerns about your child? (Use the Worksheet for Organizing Your Concerns about School-Related Problems --Downloadable PDF) to be sure all of your concerns are addressed.)
- How are the tests administered during the evaluation? Is this a good means of communicating with your child?
- Who will do the evaluation and what specific expertise, training and experience do they have with these particular assessments?
- How soon after the evaluation is completed will the report be available?
- How are the test results expressed and what do they mean? (e.g., numeric scores, descriptive statements, percentiles, grade levels)
- Will the results be explained in a way that is easy to understand?
- Can I meet with the evaluator or school representative to discuss the results privately?
- Will the evaluation results provide information to help develop specific recommendations about classroom strategies, teaching methods and services and programs for my child?
- What is the school district's process for amending, or revising, the evaluation report?
- What is the school district's process for requesting an independent educational evaluation (IEE)?
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