Here are the top-five assessments in the top areas of testing:
1. Cognitive: Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC-III)
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Measures: A student’s ability.
Who conducts: School psychologist.
Data: It usually looks at three intelligence quotient (IQ) scores: verbal IQ, performance IQ, and full-scale
IQ. The subtests within these areas often provide good information about a student’s strengths as well as
his or her challenges. It also is often used to determine the amount of time a student may be in the generaleducation classroom or even school.
2. Academic achievement: Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery
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Measures: Individual educational achievement.
Who conducts: Usually special-education teacher.
Data: Test includes mandatory sections and optional subtests. The scores are then combined into
composite scores. The identified areas help the IEP team look at specific areas of need, which then help
create meaningful IEP goals.
3. Behavior: Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) or Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale
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Measures: Behavior and mental health, including how the student sees him- or herself as well as how
parents and school staff see the student.
Who conducts: Parents, classroom teacher, special-education teacher, and sometimes the student. This
test requires multiple people filling out a questionnaire to look for patterns and concerns.
Data: These evaluations do not offer a diagnoses but instead look at life skills, social skills, social
concerns, and attention. It may help identify mental-health concerns and/or behavioral issues.
4. Functionality: School Function Assessment (SFA)
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Measures: Student’s functionality in all areas of the school environment
Who conducts: Occupational therapist (OT)
Data: This test evaluates three areas: participation, task support, and activity performance. It is usually
used for students in kindergarten through grade 6. It addresses not only classroom access but also
playground, lunch, physical education, and other school areas.
5. Speech: Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Third Edition (CELF-3)
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Measures: Tests verbal and written language, which may also include articulation, semantics, and
pragmatic aspects of speech and language in both expressive and receptive communication.
Who conducts: Speech and language therapist (SLP)
Data: This test can direct the IEP team to develop goals and also accommodations such as books on tape
or written (not verbal) instructions as well as for direct therapy with the SLP for both expressive and
receptive language.