Which assessment is administered before a formal special education referral?

A pre-referral assessment is essential in the special education process as it occurs before any formal referral for special education services. This assessment aims to identify the needs of the student and determine whether their challenges can be addressed within the general education classroom through interventions and instructional modifications.

Engaging in a pre-referral assessment allows educators to implement strategies that may help the student succeed without entering the special education process. Strategies may include differentiated instruction, behavioral interventions, or additional support systems. The goal is to gather data on the student's performance and behavior in the classroom, ensuring that all possible support is given before considering a more formal evaluation for special education eligibility.

Other assessments, such as diagnostic or outcome assessments, typically occur after a referral is made or following specific instructional strategies and are used to inform instruction or measure progress. Screening assessments often continue to play a role in early identification, but they do not typically focus on the specific needs of an individual student in the same way a pre-referral assessment does. Therefore, the pre-referral assessment is the appropriate assessment to be administered before any formal special education referral.