Private Evaluations vs. School Evaluations
Over my 22 years as a child psychologist and neuropsychologist, I’ve conducted thousands of evaluations. A common question I receive from families is whether a school evaluation is sufficient or if they should pursue a private one. The biggest factor driving this question is often cost, as school evaluations are provided at no charge while private evaluations can be expensive.
As a special-needs parent myself, I understand the financial burden of securing the best care for a child. I strive to make my services affordable and ensure that testing is both thorough and cost-effective. While I never want to simply say, “You get what you pay for,” there are key benefits to private evaluations that go beyond what school-based assessments provide.
Here’s why:
1) Purpose
The primary goal of a private evaluation is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a child’s strengths, weaknesses, and challenges across multiple domains—developmental, cognitive, emotional, academic, and social. While this process may lead to a diagnosis, the goal is more than just applying a label; it’s about gaining deeper insight into a child’s needs. Parent concerns and observations are integral to this process.
In contrast, school evaluations are conducted solely to determine whether a child qualifies for Special Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The focus is on whether the child meets one of 13 disability categories and is struggling academically, often meaning they must be failing to qualify for services. Consequently, school evaluations may not provide a detailed breakdown of a child’s strengths and challenges or explore concerns outside the qualification criteria. School evaluations while helpful, they by nature are not designed to give a more global picture of who a child is and what strategies they need for a lifetime of success. I often see parents frustrated because they want that type of evaluation from school. But the school itself realistically cannot do that with the resources they have. They have certain goals they can accomplish, but they are narrower than what a private evaluation can provide.
2) Proactive vs. Reactive Approach
A private evaluation allows for early identification of potential problems, enabling interventions before issues become severe. In some cases, early intervention can prevent a child from ever needing Special Education services.
School-based evaluations, however, are bound by a “wait to fail” model, where a student must demonstrate significant academic struggles before being evaluated. This means children who are struggling but still passing may not receive necessary support. Schools may also require teachers to document interventions for months before agreeing to an evaluation. This misconception leads many to believe, for example, that dyslexia cannot be diagnosed until third grade, even though early signs can appear in preschool. This delay in support can negatively impact self-esteem and emotional well-being.
3) A Comprehensive Plan
A private evaluation provides a roadmap for both school-based interventions and home strategies. Research shows that once a child enters Special Education, they rarely exit. Thus, it’s crucial to identify additional support systems beyond the school. A private evaluation can recommend therapies, interventions, and other professionals who may be needed, ensuring a child’s overall success.
Conversely, school evaluations focus only on what the school will provide. There is little guidance on what parents can do at home or what external resources may be beneficial.
4) Advanced Expertise
Private evaluations often utilize specialized tests that school psychologists (Licensed Specialists in School Psychology or LSSPs) and diagnosticians are not trained to administer or interpret. Tests measuring attention, impulse control, planning, and organization offer valuable insight into a child’s cognitive and behavioral profile. These assessments can clarify discrepancies between teacher observations in the classroom and parent experiences at home.
School evaluations are often limited in scope, relying on standardized protocols that may not capture nuanced difficulties. If a child’s test scores do not meet a specific threshold, schools may conclude there is no problem, even when parents clearly see otherwise.
5) Flexibility
There is both a science and an art to conducting evaluations. Private evaluations benefit from extensive clinical training and varied professional experience, allowing for a tailored approach based on each child’s unique needs. This flexibility ensures that the correct assessments are used and properly interpreted.
School-based evaluations, however, often follow a “one size fits all” model. Some districts even use computer programs to determine if a child has a learning disability based on test scores, removing clinical judgment from the process. This rigid system leaves many children in a “gray area” where they don’t quite meet the criteria for services but still struggle significantly.
6) Continuity of Care
A private evaluation provides ongoing support. After the assessment, I meet with families as often as needed to track progress and adjust interventions. I also collaborate with other professionals, such as pediatricians, speech therapists, and tutors, to ensure a cohesive treatment plan.
School evaluations typically involve an annual review meeting to assess progress and adjust for the upcoming year. However, different staff members may rotate through the team, some of whom may not even know the child well.
The Value of a Second Opinion
Even if a family has undergone a school evaluation, a second opinion can be valuable. Sometimes, parents seek confirmation that the school’s recommendations are appropriate. In other cases, private evaluations can supplement school testing, saving time and cost while providing additional insight.
However, private evaluations are not a guaranteed means of forcing a school to act. While federal law requires schools to “take into account” outside evaluations, the interpretation of this requirement varies by district. Some schools may be receptive to private recommendations, while others may be more resistant. Nonetheless, private evaluations often increase the likelihood that schools will conduct a more thorough assessment or expand services.
Final Thoughts
While school-based evaluations serve a significant role, they are limited in scope, timing, and flexibility. Private evaluations offer a proactive, comprehensive, and individualized approach, ensuring that children receive the best possible support both in and out of school. If you are unsure whether a private evaluation is necessary for your child, consider your long-term goals: Do you want early intervention? A detailed understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses? A broader, more flexible plan? If so, a private evaluation is likely the best choice.
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