What type of assessment is typically done before a referral for special education services?

The selection of screening assessment as the correct answer is appropriate because these assessments are designed to identify students who may need further evaluation for special education services. Screening assessments are typically brief and administered to all students to detect potential learning difficulties or disabilities early on. This proactive approach allows educators to determine which students might require a comprehensive assessment for possible special education services, ultimately facilitating timely interventions.

Through screening assessments, a wide range of indicators can be examined, including academic performance and developmental benchmarks. The goal is to ensure that any students at risk are identified early, leading to appropriate support and resources tailored to their needs.

In contrast, diagnostic assessments are more comprehensive and conducted after a referral has been made to determine the specific nature of an individual's needs. Formative assessments are ongoing evaluations during the learning process aimed at improving teaching and learning, while outcome assessments measure student performance or program effectiveness after instruction has occurred. Therefore, these types of assessments do not serve the initial identification purpose that screening assessments provide before a referral for special education services.