Field Experience C: Understanding Specialized Assessments

Interview a school specialist (occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech pathologist) about diagnostic assessments and his or her role in the process of evaluating individuals with exceptionalities. Your interview should address the following prompts:
The criteria and distinguishing factors of nonbiased formal and informal specialized diagnostic assessments;
Examples of and how nonbiased formal specialized diagnostic assessments are administered to individuals with exceptionalities, including any legal and ethical requirements;
How the school specialist interprets information from a nonbiased formal specialized diagnostic assessment;
How the school specialist interprets information from a nonbiased informal specialized diagnostic assessment;
How the assessment information is used in making eligibility, program and placement decisions for individuals with exceptionalities;
How the students need met if the assessment information does not result in a finding of a disability; and
Strategies in communicating specialized assessment results to various stakeholders

SAMPLE SOLUTION

My interview with the school speech therapist revealed very important information regarding diagnostics assessments and her role in the process of evaluating students with disabilities. First, the specialist indicated that establishing systems to help children with exceptionalities should happen early enough in the learning process. Formal diagnostic assessment involves organized and on point program for intervention. The school specialist, upon discovering unusual condition in a child, informs relevant stakeholders such as the school administration and the parents. They then discuss on the next cause of action. Diagnosis adheres to formal methods such as medical examination of behavior, communication and intellectual and physical abilities. Informal assessment is a method that is used to collect information from a child through observations, classwork activities, test and project and then make a decision (Zentall, 2013).
According to the speech therapist, nonbiased formal and specialized diagnostic assessments must be procedural and…