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Assessment for Special Education

Psychological testing is often a critical step in understanding a student’s unique educational needs. In addition to assessments completed by the school district, a family may want to clarify the student’s needs with an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

Dr. Pratt frequently completes psychological testing when an IEE is needed, and public school districts may reimburse the family for the cost of an IEE in some circumstances.

Dr. Pratt may be available to consult with the family and school personnel regarding the educational needs of a student. Psychological testing with Dr. Pratt does not guarantee that a student will have a diagnosis. There is no guarantee that the student will qualify for special education services, which is the decision of an IEP team.

Dr. Pratt reviews all educational records and completes comprehensive testing, and parents and teachers often find it helpful to have an independent perspective. Dr. Pratt may give a student a clinical diagnosis based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

An IEP team then considers testing results and determines if the student requires special education services. Testing can help the IEP team to make informed decisions about special education eligibility, needed services, accommodations and school placement.

Dr. Pratt is not a special education lawyer or an educational advocate, and he gives his own professional opinion as a licensed psychologist. Dr. Pratt provides his candid opinion, regardless of whether it supports the position of the school district, student or family.