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.
