Module II: Evaluation and Assessment
Unit III Lesson 1: Natural environments
You may be asking yourself, “Why do I need training on evaluation and assessment? I already know how to do evaluation and assessment to determine what services a child needs.”
Please click here now to read the actual wording in the law regarding evaluation and assessment. (http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance/Part-C/stateplan/sec_v.pdf)
Let’s explore some reasons why it is important to understand evaluation and assessment within the First Steps system. First, IDEA regulations require the provision of early intervention services in natural environments to the maximum extent possible.
What are natural environments? Natural environment means settings that are natural or normal for the child’s age peers who have no disabilities. Settings include, but not limited to, home, day care, the local park, swimming pools, grandmas’ house, etc.
For more information on natural environments, please click here. http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/QandA.html#naturalenvironments.
While the regulations don’t require the conducting of evaluation and assessments in the natural environment, it would follow that it is good practice to use measures and procedures that provide ongoing assessments in environments that are natural to the child; that is, in the home or daycare settings not in testing rooms with one-way mirrors.
There are several tools and methods that you can choose to use during evaluation and assessment. A standardized test score is not required to determine a child’s eligibility for First Steps. Each family and child is unique and what methods you use in the evaluation and assessment processes are, therefore, individually determined.
A variety of methods are conducive to obtaining information within a child’s natural environment. Evaluation and assessment information may be gathered using observation, information gathered from the family and those who know and interact with the child, or a review of available, pertinent records. For a list of screening and diagnostic instruments, along with age range, test score requirements, and a time frame for use click here. (http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/DEScreeningDiagnostic.pdf)
Review questions:
1. Under part "V. Evaluation and Assessment (34 CFR 303.22) and Nondiscrimination Procedures", what is the main difference between and assessment and an evaluation?
2. Why is the evaluation to be done by a "multidisciplinary team?"
3. Is there a single procedure that can be used as the sole criterion for determining a child's eligibility?
Reflection question:
1. Why are there no requirements for participation by a caregiver in the natural environment?
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If you have a question about this module please check the Q & A pages. If you still have a question after reviewing the Q & A pages please send an email to: webreplyspefs@dese.mo.gov or call 573.751.0187