What is the difference between a clinical evaluation or a school based evaluation?

Both clinical and school-based evaluations are conducted by licensed professionals to identify a person's strengths and areas needing support. The goal is to determine suitable interventions tailored to individual needs.

In clinical evaluations, professionals typically assess individuals in their home or community settings, following a medical model. They gather information to categorize symptoms, leading to a diagnosis. Importantly, a diagnosis doesn't define an individual but provides a framework for professionals to communicate effectively, access evidence-based practices, and recommend relevant interventions for home or community settings.

On the other hand, school-based evaluations operate similarly but have distinct processes. Unlike clinical evaluations, school-based professionals do not provide medical diagnoses. Instead, they assign educational labels based on state and district regulations to describe a student's needs. These categories encompass a wide range of disabilities. Furthermore, for a student to receive specialized instruction, the school evaluation team must identify both the presence of a disability and its adverse educational impact.

This distinction can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for parents. For instance, a child might have a disability yet function adequately in school without specialized services. Such situations can be perplexing for families observing their child exerting more effort than peers. Additionally, the school classification system can be ambiguous, leading to disagreements among team members, parents, and administrators.

When disagreements occur, both families and school districts should familiarize themselves with the dispute resolution processes established by their respective departments of education. Ultimately, adhering to ethical guidelines is crucial, ensuring decisions prioritize the client's best interests.