Assessment, Evaluation and Eligibility
Assessment and Evaluation (A&E) Team
OVERVIEW
The Assessment and Evaluation (A&E) Team is made up of assessment specialists including School Psychologists, Speech-Language Pathologists and special education teachers. The A&E Team conducts all standardized assessments needed for an initial eligibility and triennial eligibilities for identification of students with special needs.
Our staff conducts assessments and evaluations as part of the special education services offered to our students. These assessments and evaluations are used to determine if a student has a disability that adversely impacts their educational performance.
All formal assessments and evaluations can be completed once a student has been referred for testing by a child’s teacher or parent. Parent permission is required before any formal assessments can begin.
ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS
The A&E Team may complete a variety of assessments in accordance with state and federal guidelines pertaining to eligibility for special education services.
Assessments could include:
- File Review
- Observations
- Developmental History
- Parent Interviews
- Adaptive Rating Scales
- Behavior Rating Scales
- Psychological
- Fine and Gross Motor
- Tests of Intelligence
- Speech and Language
- Social Rating Scales
- Academic Assessments
- Teacher Checklists
- Adaptive
- Autism
Disability Categories
A student may be assessed and/or identified for special education services in the following disability categories:
- Intellectual Disability
- Emotional Disturbance
- Specific Learning Disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Communication Disorder
- Other Heath Impairment
- Vision Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Deaf-Blindness
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Developmental Delay
Q&A for Parents
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PARENT AND STUDENT RIGHTS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION?
Oregon Department of Education Publishes a handbook of Parent and Student Rights for Special Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S RESPONSIBILITY?
Public schools will ensure that all students with disabilities who are eligible for kindergarten through 21 years of age, residing within their attendance area, have available to them a free and appropriate pubic education in the least restrictive environment. The rights of children with disabilities and their parents will be protected in accordance with state and federal law.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES?
Special education services are provided to students with disabilities in grades Kindergarten through age 21. Special education and general education staff work together to provide needed services for eligible students and ensure that services are aligned with federal and state requirements. Our multi-tiered system of academic and behavioral supports are provided to students in their least restrictive environment.
WHAT SERVICES MIGHT STUDENTS RECEIVE?
Gresham-Barlow School District provides a full continuum of special education and related services. All services are developed by a student team and outlined in a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Our special education program is coordinated with other services such as English Language Learners (ELL) and Title IA programs.
WHERE DO STUDENTS RECIEVE THEIR SERVICES AND SUPPORTS?
As much as possible, students are educated in their neighborhood school. A small number of students are served in specialized programs, both within and outside of the district.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD?
If parents are concerned about their child’s academic and/or behavioral progress, they should first contact their child’s teacher. Every effort is made to assess all students for level of need and to provide appropriate instruction and intervention based on that identified need. Some students who do not respond to initial instruction over time may need additional interventions. If at any time the school or parent has reason to suspect a disability, a referral for a special evaluation may be initiated.
Staff Directory
Assessment & Evaluation Team
(503) 261-4650
Katie Killam, School Psychologist
killam@gresham.k12.or.us
Sara Waggener, School Psychologist
waggener@gresham.k12.or.us
Lillie Mae Stone, School Psychologist
stone28@gresham.k12.or.us
Virany Men, School Psychologist
men@gresham.k12.or.us
Lex Grant, School Psychologist - Intern
grant28@gresham.k12.or.us.k12.or.us
Sarah Smyly, Speech Language Pathologist
smyly@gresham.k12.or.us
Elizabeth Lawry, Speech Language Pathologist
lawry@gresham.k12.or.us
Emily Drapela, Speech Language Pathologist
drapela3@gresham.k12.or.us
Jenn Voge, Special Education Teacher
voge@gresham.k12.or.us