How should school psychologists handle evaluations of students with disabilities?

The approach to evaluating students with disabilities requires a comprehensive and individualized assessment process. Ensuring that assessments are thorough and appropriate is essential for understanding each student's unique needs and strengths. This involves utilizing multiple sources of data, which may include standardized tests, observations, interviews, and input from teachers and parents.

A thorough assessment helps in accurately identifying the presence of a disability and in developing effective interventions that cater to the student's specific requirements. In contrast, relying solely on standard tests is insufficient, as these tests may not capture the full spectrum of a student's abilities or challenges. Excluding other sources of information can lead to misinterpretation of a student's needs, which is not conducive to providing the necessary support.

While seeking teachers' opinions can be valuable, it should not be the sole basis for evaluations; rather, it should complement a more extensive assessment process. Avoiding evaluations altogether would prevent the identification of students who may require special education services, thus undermining the educational support that these students deserve. Therefore, a thorough and appropriate assessment is critical in ensuring that real and effective support is provided to students with disabilities.