Oh My! The IEP Evaluation Part 1 of 3

Show Notes: "Oh My! The IEP Evaluation" – Part 1

Hosts & Guests:

• Meredith (Host)
• Tashia White (Co-host/Parent)
• Dr. Stephanie Crawford (Director of Mental Health)
• Dr. Bernadette Pigeon (Mental Health Coordinator)
• Ellen Kerkoff (Mental Health Lead)

Topics Covered:

• Understanding the IEP evaluation process: what it is, how it starts, and who is involved.
• Signs a student may need an evaluation (academic, behavioral, internalizing/externalizing behaviors).
• The role of parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams in referrals and evaluations.
• The difference between psychoeducational evaluations and other assessments (speech, OT, etc.).
• The importance of referral questions and individualized evaluation plans.
• Medical vs. educational diagnoses: what schools can and cannot do.
• The RTI (Response to Intervention) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) frameworks.
• How outside reports and multiple perspectives are used in evaluations.
• The three-year reevaluation process and what changes over time.
• Addressing stigma around special education and supporting neurodiverse students.
• Advice for parents navigating the process and collaborating with schools.

Resources Mentioned:

• DCSEAC website: DCSEAC.org
• Contact: [email protected]
• Social media links for DCSEAC (see website for details)
• Additional resources: https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/departments/special-education

Next Episodes:

• Part 2: The three-year evaluation process, IEP meetings, and parent advice.
• Part 3: Functional behavior assessments and district updates.

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