Assessment in Special Education: A Practical Approach, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (March 2, 2022) © 2023
  • Roger A. Pierangelo
  • George A. Giuliani

Title overview

For courses in assessment in special education.

A guide to understanding assessment and putting it into practice

Assessment in Special Education illustrates how the assessment process works, and how to effectively use it in practice. The process is presented as a real-world story, from identification of a high-risk child to placement. Theory and applications of formal and informal assessment are considered together. This valuable resource gives readers the tools to understand each step of the process and put them together in action.

The 6th Edition includes 4 new chapters that delve into current issues and responsibilities as well as updated information on tests, evaluations and eligibility. 

Hallmark features of this title

Essential topic coverage

  • A step-by-step approach shows the full picture of assessment, from start to finish.
  • Thorough coverage reflects the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, validity and reliability, common tests, legal issues and terminology.
  • Formal and informal assessment techniques prepare readers to make informed, personalized decisions.

Applied focus

  • Step-by-step guidance demonstrates how to interpret results and make a diagnosis. Samples of actual assessment, evaluation and procedural forms model the process.
  • Hands-on opportunities show how to use test data in writing a professional report and making recommendations.
  • Real-world approaches prepare readers to conduct parent-teacher conferences and attend eligibility committee meetings.

New and updated features of this title

  • UPDATED: Information on the most current tests and evaluation procedures for all areas of exceptionality, as well as eligibility in special education on all areas of classification.
  • NEW: Ch. 5 on legal, ethical and professional issues shows the steps and IDEIA standards to defend ethical practices that enhance the integrity of test results.
  • NEW: Ch. 6 on cultural and linguistic diversity focuses on cultural competence and how to prepare for a multicultural assessment.
  • NEW: Ch. 8 on required responsibilities in screening and assessment of students describes the purpose of evaluations, the procedures for getting them underway, and participants in the process.
  • NEW: Ch. 20 on preparation and presentation of test results to the child study team, eligibility committee, and parents provides step-by-step checklists for annual and triennial reviews.

The LMS-Compatible Assessment Bank streamlines assignments and grading

  • NEW: Learning outcome quizzes and application exercises can be assigned from a packaged file. Questions give students feedback and model responses based on their answers.

Key features

Features of Pearson eText for the 6th Edition

  • Video Examples expand on principles or concepts in each chapter, helping put the reading into context. Videos examine IDEIA in more depth, provide details of assessment instruments such as the WISC-4 or the WIAT-IV, or highlight specific special educator responsibilities.
  • The Interactive Glossary lets students quickly build their professional vocabulary as they read.

Table of contents

Part 1: Foundational Concepts in Special Education Assessment

  1. Introduction to Assessment
  2. Methods of Assessment and Testing Considerations
  3. Basic Statistical Concepts
  4. Scoring Terminology Used in Assessment
  5. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Special Education Assessment
  6. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Special Education Assessment

Part 2: Identification of High-Risk Children

  1. Response to Intervention
  2. Required Responsibilities in Screening and Assessment of Students
  3. The Child Study Team and Pre-referral Strategies
  4. The Multidisciplinary Team and Parental Participation in the Assessment Process

Part 3: Assessment Measures Used in a Comprehensive Evaluation

  1. Assessment of Academic Achievement
  2. Assessment of Intelligence
  3. Assessment of Behavior
  4. Assessment of Perceptual Abilities
  5. Assessment of Speech and Language
  6. Assessment of Hearing Loss and Evaluations for Physical and Occupational Therapy Needs
  7. Early Intervention and Preschool Assessment

Part 4: Putting it All Together: Special Education Requirements

  1. Determining Whether a Disability Exists: Eligibility Criteria
  2. Writing a Comprehensive Report in Special Education
  3. Preparation, Participation and Reporting of Test Results
  4. Eligibility Procedures and the Least Restrictive Environment
  5. Development of the IEP

Appendices

  1. Questions and Answers about Independent Educational Evaluations
  2. Questions and Answers about Mediation and Due Process Hearings
  3. Sample IEP Template

Author bios

About our authors

Dr. Roger Pierangelo was a Professor in the Department of Special Education and Literacy at Long Island University for over 25 years and recently retired. He has been an administrator of special education programs, served for 18 years as a permanent member of Committees on Special Education, has over 30 years of experience in the public school system as a general education classroom teacher and school psychologist, and serves as a consultant to numerous private and public schools, as well as PTA and Special Education PTA groups.

Dr. Pierangelo has also been an evaluator for the New York State Office of Vocational and Rehabilitative Services and a director of a private clinic. He is a New York State-licensed clinical psychologist, a certified school psychologist, and a board-certified diplomate fellow in student and adolescent psychology and forensic psychology.

Dr. Pierangelo is the co-executive director of the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) and an executive director of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP).

Dr. Pierangelo earned his BS from St. John's University, MS from Queens College, professional diploma from Queens College, PhD from Yeshiva University, and diplomate fellow in student and adolescent psychology and forensic psychology from the International College of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Pierangelo is a member of the American Psychological Association, New York State Psychological Association, Nassau County Psychological Association, New York State Union of Teachers, and Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Pierangelo is the author of multiple books in the field of special education, including two coauthored with Dr. Giuliani from Pearson titled Transition Services in Special Education: A Practical Approach and Learning Disabilities: A Practical Approach to Foundations, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Teaching.

Dr. George Giuliani is a full-time Associate Professor at Hofstra University's School of Education and Special Education programs. Dr. Giuliani earned his BA from the College of the Holy Cross, MS from St. John's University, JD from City University of New York School of Law, and MA and PsyD from Rutgers University. He earned board certification as a diplomate fellow in advanced child and adolescent psychology, board certification as a diplomate fellow in forensic sciences from the International College of Professional Psychology, and board certification in special education from the American Academy of Special Education Professionals.

Dr. Giuliani is a member of the American Psychological Association, Education Law Association, New York State Psychological Association, American Bar Association, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Psi Chi, American Association of University Professors, and the Council for Exceptional Children.

Dr. Giuliani is the co-executive director of The National Association of Special Education Teachers and executive director of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals. He has been a consultant for school districts and early childhood agencies, and has provided numerous workshops for parents, teachers, and other professionals on a variety of special education and psychological topics.

Dr. Giuliani is the author of multiple books in the field of special education, including two coauthored with Dr. Pierangelo from Pearson titled Transition Services in Special Education: A Practical Approach and Learning Disabilities: A Practical Approach to Foundations, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Teaching.

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