Special Education Services

Evaluation &
Consultative Services

School Psychologist

The School Psychologist evaluates a student in the areas of intelligence, academic achievement, eye-hand coordination and looks for possible cerebral and emotional problems. The session usually lasts two hours during the school day, but may take several sessions depending upon the age of the student and needs of the child. Upon completion of the tests, parents and the school personnel involved will be notified of the evaluations results.

The School Psychologists participate in the evaluation of students with suspected disabilities. Psychologist also participate in a three year review of eligible students School Psychologists cooperate with members of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team and the Individual Education Planning Committee to diagnose disabilities, recommend educational programs and services, provide instructional goals, behavior plans, and interventions for the family at home.

School Social Worker

The School Social workers participate in the evaluation of students with suspected disabilities. School Social Workers also participate in a three year review of eligible students with emotional impairments. School Social Workers cooperate with members of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team and the Individual Education Planning Committee to diagnose disabilities, recommend educational programs and services, behavior plans, and interventions for the family at home.

The school social worker evaluates a student's social and behavioral adjustment. The following are often used in making this determination:

family interviewing
student conferences
teacher conferences
observations
collection of information and coordination of service with other agencies (if appropriate)

Teacher Consultant

Teacher Consultants participate in the evaluation of students with suspected disabilities. Consultants also participate in a three year review of eligibility for identify students. Consultants cooperate with members of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team and the Individual Education Planning Committee to diagnose disabilities, recommend educational programs and services, provide instructional goals, and interventions for the family at home.

A teacher consultant whose primary responsibility is to provide initial evaluation for students suspected of being handicapped. He/she is a specialist in special education curriculum resources and academic assessment. Observations in the special or regular education classroom may be necessary along with consultation with the student's teacher. The teacher consultant facilitates placement by providing information on materials and appropriate instructional methods to the teacher, student and parent.

Resource Room Teacher

A teacher certified in at least one area of special education with expertise in academic assessment whose primary role is to provide direct services to students. The teacher consultant will provide post-testing of student assigned to him/her along with consulting other teachers.

Teacher of Speech and Language Impaired

Speech Therapists participate in the evaluation of students with suspected disabilities. Speech Therapists also participate in a three year review of eligibility for identify students. Speech Therapists cooperate with members of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team and the Individual Education Planning Committee to diagnose speech and language disabilities, recommend educational programs and services, provide instructional goals and interventions for the family at home.

A teacher of the speech and language impaired evaluates speech and language behavior. Tests to diagnose the problem may be given in the following areas.

Language Developments: Assessment of the student's ability to process, understand and communicate verbal ideas.
Articulation: Assessment of the student's ability to speak clearly and effectively.
Voice: Assessment of the student's ability to utilize appropriate voice pitch, loudness or quality of speech.
Fluency: Assessment of the student's ability to speak without excessive interruptions; repetition of sounds, words, phrases or sentences; which interfere with effective communication.

Audiologist*

The audiologist assesses the student to determine the amount of hearing loss and to determine the effects of this loss on speech discrimination.

POHI Teacher Consultant*

Facilitates services for student who are physically or otherwise health impaired. This service requires a medical diagnosis with accompanying prescription from a physician.

Physical Therapist*

The physical therapist evaluates motor function, plans and provides individualized program which may include use of exercise, special facilitation techniques and adaptive equipment to improve balance, coordination, mobility and functional skills. The ultimate goal of the Physical Therapy program is to decrease the impact of the physical disability on the student's educational potential. Under state law, it is necessary to obtain a physician's prescription to evaluate or give service.

Occupational Therapist*

The occupational therapist can assess and, if indicated, provide intervention/programming in psychomotor areas to support educational goals for the student. Occupational therapy focuses on the development of readiness abilities and fine motor control, as well as functional skills. Areas of concern for the occupational therapist are:

self care abilities
motor abilities
school/work skills
movement and adaptive equipment needs

This service requires a medical diagnosis with
accompanying prescription from a physician.

Therapist in the schools may provide services to students in four ways:

direct treatment
consultation
evaluation
in-services

Orientation and Mobility Specialist*

The orientation and mobility specialist assesses the severely visually impaired student to determine her/his ability to move freely within the environment. This specialist also make recommendations for orientation and mobility training.

*These services may be provided by consultants from the Wayne Westland School District.

Home Age Appropriate Programs

Referral Process At Wayne County RESA Evaluation & Consulting Services

Resources Available to Parents of Special Needs Student Meet our Staff

Commonly Used Special Education Terms Feedback

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09/10/2004 10:17 AM