“I just love IEP assessments!” said no parent ever. While thoughtful, strengths-based assessments are essential for building an IEP that truly reflects your child’s strengths, goals, and needs, the process can feel overwhelming: your child is evaluated by someone who may not fully understand how they think and learn, then you’re handed pages of reports full of jargon to review, all while trying to make sure nothing important gets missed. It’s normal to feel unsure or even a little anxious about the process. This week, we’re sharing guidance from experts who’ve walked families through it hundreds of times, bringing you the top tips and insights for all your upcoming IEP evaluations.
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New to assessments or just need a quick refresher?
IEP Assessments 101 covers it all — common assessment types, how to spot strength-based vs. deficit-based assessments, tips for reviewing results with our two-marker method, and what to do if you disagree with the results. And if you’re an Undivided member, here’s a sample letter you can use to request an assessment for an IEP.
Think the school’s assessment missed the mark?
You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)! As Neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Wilson explains, an IEE digs deeper to uncover why a child is struggling, what the school might have missed, and how to create a plan of support.
IEP assessments spotlight: reading and behavior
Curious how schools measure reading? Wondering if your child might need a behavioral assessment? We break it all down in our spotlight articles on reading assessments and functional behavioral assessments (FBA).
Dynamic, neurodiversity-affirming…just buzzwords? Not quite.
If you’re feeling frustrated by cookie-cutter, standardized IEP assessments that miss how kids with complex needs really learn, here are two assessment approaches worth bringing up with your IEP team:
- Dynamic assessments focus on exploring a child’s learning process collaboratively and identifying areas that may need support or intervention. Learn more→
- Neurodiversity-affirming assessments focus on a child’s unique strengths and support needs rather than trying to make them fit a neurotypical mold. Learn more→
Did your family receive a letter about changes to Medi-Cal asset limits? Read more here and find out if you need to make any changes to ensure your child doesn’t have any interruptions to their Medi-Cal coverage.
Wondering what Undivided Navigator support actually looks like? Check out this short video clip!
RSVP for our free virtual event
Ever wonder what’s really said behind closed doors in special education? This event goes beyond the IEP table so you can understand how decisions are really made — and what families can do to make sure their child’s needs are truly heard. Join us on Thursday, November 6, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE event where Dr. Diana Fannon — former special education director, parent of a child with disabilities, and a disabled advocate herself — will answer questions and share insider insights. RSVP here→
Join us for expert office hours
If your child is a Regional Center client, are you making the most of the Self-Determination Program? Whether you’re new to SDP or your child is already enrolled and you need help troubleshooting, join us for office hours on Wednesday, October 15 at 12:00 p.m. PT with Iris Barker, our Self-Determination Consultant. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Upcoming Undivided Conversations
Tune in to our Facebook page to watch!
- October 10 at 10:00 a.m. – Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessments: Don’t miss this encore conversation with School Psychologist Breea Rosas, who breaks down what neurodiversity-affirming assessments are, how to tell if they’re right for your child, and how to ask for one at your next IEP meeting.
- October 11 at 10:00 a.m. – All About Assessments: Join us again with Dr. Sarah Pelangka, special education advocate and owner of KnowIEPs, as she explains how assessments work, how they’re administered, how to read them, and what to do if you disagree with them.
- October 12 at 10:00 a.m. – Back to School: What Every Parent Needs to Know This Year – Worried about statewide district budget deficits and unknown federal cuts? Catch this restreamed conversation with Education Attorney Dina Kaplan from Vanaman German who answers questions about school when the stakes seem higher than ever.
Eps. 3: Support that Eases Back to School Stress
As parents, we know how overwhelming a new school year can feel. In this episode, Undivided CEO Seth Besse and Navigator Onyx Moore talk about ways to make that transition easier — including tools and support from Undivided that can help you feel more confident navigating your child’s IEP. Available wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
What does the FBA process look like? See this flow chart on our Instagram→
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How can you advocate for a dynamic assessment for your child? Hear advice from licensed educational psychologist Lucia Serio on our YouTube channel→
This week in our Facebook group for parents: free webinar recommendations, good news about disability advocacy, and more! Join the conversation→
Help us empower parents and providers with information about good IEP assessments! Share Undivided’s resources on LinkedIn→
