For many families and students, the IEP assessment process can make it feel like their whole existence is being tested by someone who might not understand how they think and learn. However, a thorough assessment of your child is the key to creating a strong IEP that accurately reflects their goals, strengths, and areas of need. These needs can change more often than just every three years when triennial assessments are required — and as a parent, you can request an assessment at any time. So how can we help ensure that assessments are doing what they’re designed to do?
To help make the process a little less anxiety-inducing, we’ve put together some resources on educational assessments — from the different types of assessments available (and how they’re used in the IEP process) to why they’re essential in making sure our kiddos receive the appropriate services and accommodations to succeed in school and beyond:
- Whether you’re facing your child’s first assessment or you just need a little refresher, brush up on the basics of assessments by reading IEP Assessments 101.
- If you’re wondering whether your child needs behavioral support at school, learn about Functional Behavioral Assessments in our 101 article.
- Use this sample letter to help you request an assessment for an IEP at any time.
Need help reviewing your child’s assessments? Undivided members can access our guide in the Undivided app with links, templates, and easy-to-follow instructions that walk parents through the process one step at a time! Reach out to learn more!
- See All About Assessments to hear from Dr. Sarah Pelangka, special education advocate and owner of KnowIEPs, about different types of assessments, what to do when disputing test scores, and more!
- Another kind of assessment is statewide testing. If you feel opting your kiddo out is what’s best for them this year, use this sample letter template to write a letter to the school.
For additional support, be sure to attend our upcoming virtual event all about advocating in an IEP meeting!
“The 5 Most Important Things to Remember When Advocating in an IEP” virtual event with Undivided Education Advocate Lisa Carey
Join us on Monday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. PST to hear Undivided Education Advocate Lisa Carey share tips on being empowered and prepared to hold the school district accountable for helping meet your child’s needs. If you can’t attend the event live, RSVP here anyway to get a recap and link to the full replay!
This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 4/7/23. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, or check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
