Checklist for Comprehensive Evaluation
In order to determine the presence of an emotional disturbance (ED), the evaluation should address
each of the following domains. Suggested sources of data are listed under each domain.
Emotional/Behavioral
__ Documentation of tiered interventions and the student’s response to those interventions
__ Direct assessment of student
Clinical interview with student
Play-based assessment (as with preschool children)
Social Emotional assessments (e.g., sentence completion, drawings and projective techniques)
Student’s self-report
__ Observable behavior in multiple settings
Standardized report (e.g., rating scale, inventory, etc.) by teacher, parent, other observer
Structured direct observation
Documentation of observable target behavior and its function
Documentation of specific behavior incidents (e.g., discipline reports)
Psychosocial/ Cultural History
Family background
Environmental background
Social background
Cultural background
Developmental history
Educational history
Special services
Behavior/Psychosocial functioning
File review
In-depth, structured interview(s) with parent(s) or guardian(s)
Intellectual/Developmental
Standardized cognitive/developmental testing
Documentation of previous cognitive assessment that is valid and still applicable
Other documented evidence (e.g., group testing) that establishes a level of cognitive functioning
In-depth, structured interview(s) with parent(s) or guardian(s)
Educational progress
Documentation of tiered interventions and the student’s response to those interventions
Curriculum-based measures
Objective data on classroom performance (e.g., grades on assignments, tests)
Standardized achievement testing
Work samples/portfolios of student work
Health Assessment
Past and current health status reports
In-depth, structured interview(s) with parent(s) or guardian(s)
Specialized assessments as recommended by the PPT, including the following:
Medical
Psychiatric
Psychomotor/Occupational Therapy
Speech/Language/Communication
In-depth, structured interview(s) with parent(s) or guardian(s)
