School Evaluations - Home Assessments

 

School-based Assessments

There are times when a student is not succeeding in school. This may be happening for a variety of reasons. We conduct objective, comprehensive ​Functional Behavior Assessments​ to identify target behaviors and the variables that evoke and maintain those behaviors. Our evaluations are objective and individualized according to the student and situation. All evaluations focus on the child or young adult as s/he presents in the school setting. We approach all evaluations with sensitivity and respect for students, families, and professionals.

The evaluation process includes previous report review, multiple in-school observations, data collection and analysis, and teacher interviews. At times, school staff may be asked to track behaviors using staff-friendly methods. When home-based variables or medical/physiological concerns are reported, a parent interview may also be done.

The final report includes a full behavior assessment with recommendations regarding the behavioral, environmental, and programmatic components the student needs to meet expectations in school.

Home-based Assessments

When a child is engaging in challenging behavior across school and home and/or refusing to attend school, a home assessment is done to learn more about the home variables that may be affecting the child’s behavior and to make recommendations for home-based services that would support the child’s positive behavior change, improved learning, and overall well-being both at home and at school. The home assessment is a collaborative process involving multiple parent interviews via Zoom, interviews with the school team and private mental health professionals, and 1-2 home visits.

High School Girl Taking a Test

Our Goals

We approach each evaluation as an opportunity to support school districts in their efforts to provide effective educational services for every child they serve. Our ultimate goal is to provide recommendations for training, communication, organization, systems, and educational, social, and behavioral programming so that each child achieves their potential. As such, our process is individualized to address the unique needs and culture of each school community. We want to ensure that special education programming is consistent with the school community’s mission and values as well as the needs of its population. 

Our Team

Our team of evaluators each have over 20 years of experience in public and private pre-k to 12 educational settings, including teaching, counseling, inclusion, advocacy, behavioral consultation, special education administration, student and program evaluation, staff training, data collection and analysis, parent coaching, and program development. Our evaluators are compassionate and collaborative. They understand the challenges of special education, daily frustrations, and high work volume for educational professionals and value interdisciplinary collaboration. Our team works collaboratively with all stakeholders to determine what is working well and what improvements are needed to offer optimal education services for all students and necessary support for staff and families. Throughout the process, we remain reflective and responsive to the needs of students, families, and staff as we engage in consistent and ongoing conversations with all members of the interdisciplinary team. This all allows us to gain valuable insights and provide ongoing feedback and improvement suggestions. With our approach, stakeholders do not need to wait until the end of the process to initiate change. 

For programs based on Applied Behavior Analysis, we offer years of behavioral expertise that can help these programs transition to a more contemporary and integrative model. This model is based on cutting-edge perspectives in the field of ABA and research highlighting the benefits of neurodiversity-affirming, assent-based, culturally responsive, and compassionate treatment approaches.

How We Work

  • We examine communication processes, systems, and organizational components to make suggestions for improving efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Our recommendations offer practical solutions that consider all relevant factors with student outcomes at the forefront.

  • We always maintain sensitivity to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and make recommendations for how teams can be more culturally responsive.

  • We explore ways the district can promote reflective practice for all team members.

  • Our process involves all stakeholders, including parents.  

  • We provide a comprehensive final written report and presentation. 

  • We offer ongoing and follow-up consultation and action-planning that is reflective of evaluation recommendations.