What’s Included in a comprehensive evaluation?

1. a pre-evaluation interview with parents to obtain reasons for seeking an evaluation and questions to address,

2. background information including documentation of any medical issues, copies of report cards and progress reports, copies of any academic support plans (e.g., IEP, 504, accommodations), copies of prior standardized testing and/or evaluations (e.g., psychoeducational, speech/language, occupational therapy), and schoolwork samples in areas of strength and weakness,

3. attention to strengths and to weaknesses,

4. assessments to examine cognitive processing and academic skills, which are tailored to the reasons for the evaluation,

5. questionnaires (from teachers, parents, & older children) yielding information about behavioral, social, and emotional components of daily life,

6. a post-evaluation discussion with parents explaining the findings and their implications,

7. synthesis of data from many sources while prioritizing key points for summarizing and making recommendations, and

8. a comprehensive written report with educational recommendations and, if applicable, diagnoses with accommodations.