Unlocking Educational Benefit: Key Component 1: Assessment

Type:
  Video
Authors:
Heather DiFede; Leo Mapagu; Jennifer Yales, Ed.D.; Noreen Rodriguez-Lippincott; and Hinda Nadif, Ed.D.
Developed by:
High Quality IEPs (HQ IEPs)
Relevant categories:
Disabilities Screening and Assessment Special Education
This is a video.
Use the controls provided by the embedded content to watch the video.

Overview

This video explores how meaningful assessment lays the foundation for a high-quality, individualized education program (IEP). Viewers will learn about the RIOT framework (Review, Interview, Observe, Test) and how to gather data that reflects the whole child — not just test scores. It highlights the importance of using multiple, culturally responsive tools to identify a student’s strengths and needs, setting the stage for present levels, goals, and services. A must-watch for anyone working to ensure IEPs lead to real educational benefit and long-term success.

TPE Alignment:

  • TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to plan, differentiate, make accommodations and/or modify instruction.

Navigating this Collection:

HQ IEPs > During the IEP > Key Components of the IEP Process > Key Component 1: Assessment

  Keywords: Assessment, Collaboration, Disability, Educational Benefit, Eligibility, Goals, IEP, IEP Compliance, Individualized Education Program, Special Education, Student Outcomes, Student-Centered, TPE 5.8, Video

Related items

Key Component 1: Assessment

This resource covers the first step of reviewing evaluation results during an initial or triennial/reevaluation IEP meeting. It provides guidance on explaining assessment outcomes, determining special education eligibility, addressing multiple eligibility areas, handling situations where a student does not qualify, documenting discussions, and managing disagreements about eligibility decisions. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.1 - Apply knowledge of the purposes, characteristics, and appropriate uses of different types of assessments (e.g., diagnostic, informal, formal, progress-monitoring, formative, summative, and performance) to design and administer classroom assessments, including use of scoring rubrics. TPE ...

 Resource Collection
  Added on 11/13/2025
RIOT Protocol

The RIOT flyer presents a helpful framework (Review, Interview, Observe, Test) for organizing student data during the special education referral or evaluation process. It highlights how each data source contributes to a comprehensive picture of student needs. Educators can use this framework to structure conversations and support defensible, data-informed decisions. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 4.5 - Promote student ...

 Printable Tool
  Added on 10/16/2025
Annotated Meeting Agenda

This annotated agenda walks educators through each stage of an IEP meeting with detailed notes and tips for facilitation. It includes guidance on language to use, how to create space for family voice, and suggestions for equity-based reflection. This tool is especially useful for administrators and case managers who lead IEP meetings. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. Navigating this Collection: HQ ...

 Website
  Added on 10/16/2025
  https://docs.google.com/docume...
Meeting Norms Sample

This example shows how meeting norms might be presented visually during a real IEP or team meeting. It can be used as a template or inspiration for schools looking to create their own team-specific norms. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how and when to involve other adults and to communicate effectively with peers and colleagues, families, ...

 Website
  Added on 10/16/2025
  https://docs.google.com/docume...
Meeting Norms List

This one-page handout offers a simple list of suggested meeting norms to support productive and respectful IEP meetings. Designed to be used or adapted by IEP teams, the list includes examples like listening actively, being on time, and assuming positive intent. Teams can use this list to set shared expectations at the beginning of each meeting. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and ...

 Website
  Added on 10/16/2025
  https://docs.google.com/docume...
Key Component 1: Reviewing Initial and Triennial Assessment Results with the IEP Team

This guide explains how to review and interpret assessment results during initial and triennial IEP meetings. It outlines how eligibility for special education is determined, provides tips for communicating technical information in family-friendly language, and emphasizes the importance of collaborative decision-making among team members. It also highlights what to do when there are disagreements about eligibility. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to plan, differentiate, make accommodations and/or modify instruction. Navigating ...

 Printable Tool
  Added on 10/16/2025
Key Component 1: The Assessment Process - Downloadable Training Package

Supporting your LEA teams with our downloadable training package for Key Component #1: Assessment - complete with an agenda, Google Slides presentation, and processing guide. Click on the links below to access ready-to-use and customizable materials to help staff master the special education assessment process. It covers using the RIOT protocol and assessment checklist, reviewing results, determining eligibility, and addressing areas of disagreement effectively. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and ...

 Website
  Added on 11/13/2025
  https://docs.google.com/presen...
Added on 10/16/2025   ·   Last updated on 10/16/2025