Ch1+objectives

= Chapter Overview and Objectives =

Overview
The process of assessing students with special needs occurs in several stages. This chapter investigates these different stages beginning with assessment as it relates to screening students. This is followed by a review of the process of identifying students who may have disabilities. The section on identification includes extensive information on the relationship between assessment and Individual Educational Plans (IEPs). Both the IEP requirements for assessing students and quality indicators for IEP assessment are included. After reviewing IEPs, the chapter considers the kinds of assessment associated with instructional intervention and measuring student progress. By examining each step in the process this chapter builds understanding of the complex, multifaceted nature of assessment. This provides the basis for learning about specific tests and appraisal procedures in later chapters. The chapter includes four case studies, one for each step in the assessment process. These biographical cases link assessment theory with instructional practice. Later chapters refer to these cases; therefore, these early profiles serve as a foundation for more specific information in subsequent chapters.

Objectives

 * Assess students to screen for potential learning problems.
 * Assess students to determine eligibility for special services.
 * Integrate assessment into the IEP process.
 * Use assessment as part of instructional intervention.
 * Use assessment to measure student progress.