Evaluation (Massachusetts)

Tool Search: Special Ed Documents

Evaluations are used to document the student's educational needs and the student's determination of eligibility for special education. This document describes each editor, the section(s) of the print format that include the entered information, a description of each field on the editor, and any special considerations and instructions for using the editor and fields.

An evaluation must be created whether or not the student is determined to have a disability. A copy of the evaluation summary report, including the documentation of eligibility, is given to the student’s parents by the school district.

The current format of this document is the MA ESR 2023. Evaluation formats are selected in Eval Types.

Screenshot of the Editor Home listing all editors.Editor Home

Editor Home

The Editor Home lists the editors available, their status, and Modification and Completion information.

HeaderDescription
NameThe name of the editor.
Status

The state of the editor. Statuses can be:

  • In Progress indicates a user has entered and saved data in that editor.
  • Not Started is the default status for all editors.
  • Complete indicates a user has clicked the Complete button on the editor, and the editor is read-only. This does not lock the editor from further editing but indicates the user considers the editor finished.
  • Not Needed indicates a user has clicked the Not Needed button on the editor. This is usually done for editors that do not apply to the student.

The following statuses are only available for certain state-specific documents:

Modified ByThe date and the user by whom the editor was last edited.
Completed ByThe date and the user who clicked the Complete button for that editor.

General Information

The following table lists the actions available for the editors. When resizing the window, certain buttons are condensed into a single Action button. 

ButtonDescription
Save

Different editors have different save options. Click the arrow next to the Save & Stay button to view all saving options for any given editor.

  • Save captures progress and navigates the user to the Editor Home or to the List Screen for List editors. See the Editor Types section for additional information.
  • Save & Stay captures progress and keeps the user on the current editor. This save button is the default save option and is usually found within the detail screen or list editors, such as Goals and Objectives. 
  • Save & Next captures progress and navigates the user to the next editor.
  • Save & New captures progress and creates a new record. This save button is usually found within the detail screen of a list editor, such as Goals and Objectives. See the Editor Type section for additional information.
Refresh

Retrieves a new copy of data from the student's record. This includes enrollment, student, parent/guardian, and team member information. This also returns any accidentally deleted records. Manually entered fields do not change when the refresh button is clicked. The user must Save after clicking Refresh to capture changes.


A side panel displays a listing of all the student's applicable enrollment records. See the Enrollments tool documentation for additional information.

CancelNavigates the user to the Editor Home screen or the List Screen for List editors.

Status

Changes the status of the editor. 

  • Complete indicates the editor is finished. This makes the editor read-only. However, this does not lock the editor from further editing. The user must click In Progress to further edit after an editor is marked Complete.
  • Not Needed indicates the editor does not apply to the student's plan or evaluation. This makes the editor read-only. However, this does not lock the editor from further editing. Click the In Progress button to further edit after an editor is marked Not Needed.
  • In Progress only displays when the editor is in the Complete or Not Needed status and allows additional edits to be made.

The following status is only available for the Nevada IEP:

  • Complete Pending eSignature only displays for certain editors. This button marks the editor as complete until the parent/guardian electronically signs those plan sections via the Campus Parent Portal. See the Special Ed eSignature Process articles for additional information.
Print

Prints the entire document.

EditorsOpens a side panel listing all the available editors and their status. Select an editor from this list to navigate to that editor or click Close to collapse the side panel.
PreviousNavigates the user to the previous editor.
NextNavigates the user to the next editor.

Editor Types

There are two types of editors available: List or Basic editors. When navigating to a Basic editor, the list of fields within the editor is displayed. List editors display a list of all records within that editor. Clicking an existing record or the New button opens the detail view for an individual record.

Editor Lock Out and Release Logic

Only one user at a time can actively work on an editor. A person with a padlock icon (Screenshot of the Padlock Icon.) displays in the Editors side panel, Editor Home, and List Screen of list editors indicating which editors currently have users working on them. Hovering over the icon displays the name of the user who has checked out the editor, including the current user (you).

Editors that are currently being edited are read-only for all other users. The name of the person working on the editor displays in the header. 

To release an editor, the user must:

  • navigate to the next editor by clicking Save and Next or the Editors button and selecting the next editor from the side panel.
  • click the Cancel button to return to the Editor Home screen.
  • log out of the Campus application.
  • navigate to a different tool in the Campus application.

Editors are automatically released when the in-application timeout limit has been exceeded. This is a back-end process and is usually around 30-60 minutes.

Template Banks

Certain fields within several editors have an Add Template icon that displays next to their name. Clicking this button displays a side panel with the available library of predetermined text for that field. Template Banks are managed in System Administration.

Screenshot of the Add Template icon highlighted and the Template Bank side panel displayed on the right.Template Bank Side PanelClick the plus (+) icons next to the category to view the available template values.

Screenshot of an expanded Template Bank Category on the left and several template values selected on the right. Expanded Category and Values SelectedTemplate Bank Categories display on the left and the selected text displays on the right. Click the Add button to add the template value. This adds the template to the queue of values on the right. The red X removes selected templates while the sequence field can be used to reorder the templates. Another option is to use the up and down arrows next to the sequence field to reorder values. 

Click Cancel to go back to the document. The Clear Selected Template(s) button removes all selected template values from the right selection screen. 

Once selections are finalized, click the Insert Selected Template(s) button to add the values to the field within the document in the selected order. Template values are separated by carriage returns.

Screenshot of an example field with several template bank selections added.Example Template Bank Selections in the Document

Text Editors

Images should not be inserted into text fields. 

Editors

Evaluation Information

The Evaluation Header editor lists general information about the Evaluation, including relevant dates.

This editor cannot be placed in a NOT NEEDED status.

Screenshot of the Evaluation Information editor.Evaluation Information Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Meeting Type
Required

The type of meeting. Options include:

  • Initial Evaluation
  • Re-Convene
  • Reevaluation
  • Placement
  • Three Year Reevaluation

Multiple selections can be made.

Meeting Date
Required
The day of the meeting.

This field auto-populates with the date evaluation was created.

Referral Date
Required
The day of referral.N/A
Consent SentThe day consent was asked.N/A
Consent ReceivedThe day consent was received.N/A

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Enrollment Information

The Enrollment Information editor reports Special Education information from the student's Enrollment.

Screenshot of the enrollment information editor.Enrollment Information Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Enrollment Information
Click Refresh to retrieve a new copy of data from a selected Enrollment record.
GradeThe student's grade level.This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh.
Assigned School Information (Complete after a placement has been made)
School NameThe name of the school associated with the student's Enrollment record.This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh.
School PhoneThe phone number of the school associated with the student's Enrollment record.This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh.
School AddressThe address of the school associated with the student's Enrollment record.This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh.
Cost-Shared Placement

Indicates this school is a cost-shared location. Options are Yes or No.

N/A
Specify Agency
*Required
The agency associated with the placement.*This field is available and required when Yes is selected from Cost Shared Placement field.
District Information
The fields below are read-only.
District NumberThe district number associated with the Enrolled school.

This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh (District Information > State District Number).


District NameThe district name associated with the Enrolled school.

This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh (District Information > Name).


District AddressThe district address associated with the Enrolled school.

This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh (District Information > Address).


District PhoneThe district phone number associated with the Enrolled school.

This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh (District Information > Phone).


District SPED AddressThe district special education address associated with the Enrolled school.

This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh (District Information > District SPED Address).


District SPED PhoneThe district special education phone associated with the Enrolled school.

This field auto-populates from the selected Enrollment record upon Refresh (District Information > District SPED Phone).


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Student Information

The Student Information editor displays basic information about the student such as demographic information. This is a read-only editor.  

The Refresh button retrieves a fresh copy of data from the student's record from Census. See the General Information section for additional information.

This editor cannot be placed in a Not Needed status.

Screenshot of the student information editor.Student Information Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Last NameThe student's last name.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > Last Name


identity.lastName

First NameThe student's first name.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > First Name


identity.firstName

Middle NameThe student's middle name.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > Middle Name


identity.middleName

SuffixThe student's suffix.

This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.


Demographics > Suffix Name


identity.suffix

AgeThe student's age.

This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

BirthdateThe student's date of birth.

This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > Birth Date


identity.birthDate

GenderThe student's gender.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > Gender


identity.gender

Student LanguageThe student's home primary language.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > Language At Home


identity.homePrimaryLanguage

Language of Instruction
Required
The language the student is to receive instruction.

The values available in this dropdown are populated from the Attribute Dictionary > Definition > ISO Language List.

Address

The student's address.


This field becomes a dropdown when more than one address exists for the student. The primary household displays by default.

Household Address Information tool


address.number; address.street; address.tag; address.prefix; address.dir; address.apt; address.city; address.state; address.zip


LASIDThe student's local ID number.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > Student Number

identity.studentNumber
SASIDThe student's state ID number.This field auto-populates from student's Demographics record when Education Plan is saved and each time Refresh is clicked.

Demographics > State ID Number
If 18 or older

The student's decision making determination when they are 18 years old or older. Options include:

  • Acting on Own Behalf
  • Shared Decision Making
  • Delegate Decision Making
N/A
Specify Court Appointed GuardianThe name of the court appointed guardian of the student.N/A
Case Manager Information
NameThe name of the student's case manager.This field auto-populates with active Case Manager Name from Team Members tool.

Special Ed Team Members > Name

teamMember.firstName
teamMember.lastName
TitleThe role of the student's case manager.This field auto-populates with active Case Manager Title from Team Members tool.

Special Ed Team Members > Title

teamMember.title
PhoneThe phone number of the case manager.This field auto-populates with active Case Manager Work Phone from Team Members tool.

Special Ed Team Members > Work Phone

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Parent/Guardian Information

The Parent/Guardian Information editor populates based on the guardian checkbox on the student's Relationships tool. The editor includes Demographics information for the student's guardian.

The Remove button next to each parent/guardian can be used to remove a parent/guardian from the IEP. 

The Refresh button retrieves a new copy of parent/guardians' data. This also returns any accidentally deleted people. Manually entered fields do not change when the refresh button is clicked. The user must Save after clicking Refresh to capture changes.

This editor cannot be placed in a Not Needed status.

Screenshot of Parent Guardian information editor.Parent/Guardian Information Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Last NameThe last name of the parent/guardian.

This is part of the header for the guardian.


Demographics > Last Name


identity.lastName

First NameThe first name of the parent/guardian.

This is part of the header for the guardian.


Demographics > First Name


identity.firstName

Middle NameThe suffix of the parent/guardian.

This is part of the header for the guardian.


Demographics > Middle Name


identity.middleName

SuffixThe suffix of the parent/guardian.

This is part of the header for the guardian.


Demographics > Suffix 


identity.suffix

RelationshipThe relationship between the student and guardian.This is part of the header for the guardian.

Relationships > Relationships

planGuardian.relationship
Print SequenceThe print order of the parent/guardian(s) on the IEP.When no Sequence is selected, parent/guardian(s) print in the order displayed in the UI.

When any Sequences are selected, parent/guardian(s) with a sequence number print in the order defined, then un-sequenced parent/guardian(s) print at the bottom.
Legal GuardianIndicates this person is the student's legal guardian. Options are Yes or No.N/A
AddressThe address of the guardian's home.

When multiple addresses exist, this field becomes a dropdown selection.
This field auto-populates from the guardian's Census record when the plan is saved and each time the Refresh button is clicked.

Households Information > Address Info

address.number; address.street; address.tag; address.prefix; address.dir; address.apt; address.city; address.state; address.zip
Home PhoneThe home phone number of the guardian.This field auto-populates from the guardian's Census record when the plan is saved and each time the Refresh button is clicked.

Households Information > Household Phone & Address(es) > Phone

contact.homePhone
Work PhoneThe work phone number of the guardian.This field auto-populates from the guardian's Census record when the plan is saved and each time the Refresh button is clicked.

Demographics > Personal Contact Information > Work Phone

contact.workPhone
Cell PhoneThe cell phone number of the guardian.This field auto-populates from the guardian's Census record when the plan is saved and each time the Refresh button is clicked.

Demographics > Personal Contact Information > Cell Phone

contact.cellPhone
EmailThe email address of the guardian.This field auto-populates from the guardian's Census record when the plan is saved and each time the Refresh button is clicked.

Demographics > Personal Contact Information > Email

contact.email
Home Primary LanguageThe language spoken at the guardian's home.This field auto-populates from the guardian's Census record when the plan is saved and each time the Refresh button is clicked.

Demographics > Person Information > Home Language

identity.homePrimaryLanguage
Parent Preferred Mode of CommunicationThe manner in which the parent/guardian wants to be communicated. Options include:
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Messaging App
  • Other
N/A
Specify Other
*Required
The other manner of communication.*This field is available and required when Other is selected as the Parent Preferred Mode of Communication field.

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SLD: Component 1

The SLD: Component 1 editor includes a review of the student's previous education, Participation Skills assessed, Performance History considered, and relevant Medical Information.

Screenshot of the SLD: Component 1 Editor.SLD: Component 1 Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Have the above requirements been met?

Indicates the above requirements were met. Options include:

  • Yes, both A and B have been met
  • Some, but not all of the requirements in A and B have been met. The Team must determine what additional information is needed and how they will obtain the information within the evaluation timeframe. See SLD TA 3.
  • No, the requirements have not been met and therefore the referral for special education evaluation should not go forward until the school has sufficient information to determine that the student has been given appropriate opportunities to learn in the general education environment. See SLD TA 4.
Only one option can be selected.
Participation Skills
Assessments of the student's attention skills, memory, and social relations with groups, peers, and adults have been collectedIndicates assessments of the student's attention skills, memory, and social relations have been collected.N/A
Performance History
Supporting evidence shows that the student has

Options include:

  • consistently performed within the range of performance of same-aged peers; or
  • consistently performed better than same-aged peers; or
  • consistently performed less well than same-aged peers; or
  • demonstrated inconsistent performance throughout his/her educational history
Only one option can be selected.
Medical Information

Options include:

  • Educationally relevant medical findings are noted
  • N/A
N/A
FindingsA description of the findings.N/A

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SLD: Component 2

The SLD: Component 2 editor describes the method used to determine eligibility.

Screenshot of the SLD: Component 2 Editor.SLD: Component 2 Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
SLD: Component 2
Method of Determination

The method of determination. Options include:

  • A. If using a scientific, research-based intervention as an eligibility determination procedure, check this box.
  • B. If using the IQ/achievement discrepancy model as an eligibility determination procedure, check this box.
Only one option can be selected.
The following fields display when A is selected from Method of Determination.
A1. Based on assessment data*, the student is not making effective educational progress for his/her age or to meet ELA or Math Curriculum Framework standards when using a process based on the student’s response to scientific, research-based intervention in one or more of the following areas

Options include:

  • Oral Expression
  • Basic Reading Skills
  • Reading Fluency Skills
  • Mathematics Problem Solving
  • Written Expression
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Listening Comprehension
  • Mathematics Calculation
Multiple options can be selected.
A2. Has the scientific, research-based intervention method that was implemented provided sufficient information so that a responsive, data-driven IEP can be developed for the student?

Options include

  • Yes, sufficient evidence exists regarding how the student learns and what is impeding learning so that a responsive, data-driven IEP can be developed
  • No (If no, attach additional diagnostic assessments that will determine how the student learns and what is impeding learning, that will assist in the writing of a responsive, data-driven IEP and designing specialized instruction based on the student's needs.)
Only one option can be selected.
The following fields display when B is selected from Method of Determination.
B1. Based on a finding of a severe discrepancy between IQ and achievement, the student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement or both, relative to age or ELA or Math Curriculum Framework standards, or intellectual development, in the areas of

Options include:

  • Oral Expression
  • Basic Reading Skills
  • Reading Fluency Skills
  • Mathematics Problem Solving
  • Written Expression
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Listening Comprehension
  • Mathematics Calculation
Multiple options can be selected.
B2. Technically sound instruments have been used that assess cognitive and behavioral factors as well as physical or developmental factors

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
B3. More than one measure or assessment has been implemented

Options are Yes or No.

N/A

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SLD: Component 3-4

The SLD: Component 3-4 editor includes other considerations that should be addressed when determining eligibility.

Screenshot of the SLD: Component 3-4 Editor.SLD: Component 3-4 Editor

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FieldDescription
SLD: Component 3-4
Is the student's lack of sufficient progress in the area of concern due primarily to cultural factors?

Options are Yes or No.

Is the student's lack of sufficient progress in the area of concern due primarily to an environmental or economic disadvantage?

Options are Yes or No.

Is the student's lack of sufficient progress in the area of concern due primarily to limited English proficiency?

Options are Yes or No.

Is the student's lack of sufficient progress in the area of concern due primarily to a visual, hearing, or motor disability?

Options are Yes or No.

Is the student's lack of sufficient progress in the area of concern due primarily to intellectual disability?

Options are Yes or No.

Is the student's lack of sufficient progress in the area of concern due primarily to an emotional disturbance?

Options are Yes or No.

Component 4

Relevant behavior has been observed and the relationship of that behavior to the student's academic functioning has been noted.

Indicates behavior has been observed and how it impacts the student's academics has been noted.

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SLD: Determination

The SLD: Determination editor indicates if the team has identified the student as eligible for special education services as a result of the observations of the previous editors.

Screenshot of the SLD: Determination Editor.SLD: Determination Editor

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Eligibility Determination

The Eligibility Determination expands on the student's eligibility, including identifying the student's primary disability and the date of determination.

Screenshot of the eligibility determination editor.Eligibility Determination Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Eligibility Determination
Does the student have one or more of the following types of disability?

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
Specify Disability(ies)

The student's disability(ies). Options include:

  • Autism
  • Developmental Delay
  • Intellectual
  • Sensory/Hearing
  • Sensory/Vision
  • Sensory/Deaf-Blind
  • Neurological
  • Emotional
  • Communication
  • Physical
  • Specific Learning
  • Health
Multiple options can be selected.
2a. Is the student making effective progress in the general education program? In the case of a three-year reevaluation, would the student continue to make effective progress in the general education program without special education services?

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
2b. Is the lack of progress the result of the student's disability?

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
2c. Does the student require special education and/or related services to make effective progress or to access the general education curriculum.

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
Is parent satisfied with school evaluation?

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
Key Evaluation Finding and/or Next StepsA description of findings and/or next steps.This field is limited to 8000 characters.

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Team Meeting

The Team Meeting editor lists the team members who were in attendance for this evaluation and whether those members agreed with the decision reached.

Screenshot of the team meetings list screen.Team Meeting List Screen

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Team Meeting List Screen

Column NameDescription
Padlock IconThe user currently editing the record.
Meeting DateThe day of the meeting.
Meeting TimeThe time of the meeting.
Meeting PurposeThe purpose of the meeting.
Print in EvaluationIndicates this record prints in the plan.

Team Meeting Detail Screen

Select an existing record or click New to view the detail screen.

Screenshot of the team meetings detail screen.Team Meeting Detail Screen

FieldDescriptionValidation
Team Meeting: <Date>
Print in EvalIndicates this record prints in the plan.This defaults to marked.
Meeting Date
Required
The day of the meeting.N/A
Meeting TimeThe time of the meeting.N/A
Meeting LocationThe location of the meeting.N/A
Invite DateThe date the invitation to the meeting was sent.N/A
Purpose of Meeting
Required

The purpose of the meeting. Options include:

  • Eligibility Determination/Eligibility Reevaluation
  • IEP Development
  • Placement
  • Transition
  • Other
N/A
Specify Other
*Required
The other purpose of the meeting.*This field is available and required when Other is selected from Purpose of Meeting.
CommentsAny comments related to the meeting.This field is limited to 8000 characters.
Attendance
First Name
Required
The person's first name.

This field is read-only when the name pulls in from the Team Members tool when the Refresh button is clicked. Displays as a text field when the user manually enters the Team Member using the Add button.

Last Name
Required
The person's last name.

This field is read-only when the name pulls in from the Team Members tool when the Refresh button is clicked. Displays as a text field when the user manually enters the Team Member using the Add button.

Role NameThe person's role.N/A
InvitedIndicates the person has been invited.When Invited is marked, the team member displays on the printed document.
AcceptedIndicates the person accepts the determination of the team.N/A
Rejected
Indicates the person rejects the determination of the team.N/A
Stay Put
Indicates the person does not agree with the evaluation decision and the evaluation should be placed in a holding status until mediation steps take place to resolve the issue.N/A

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Consent

The Consent editor indicates the assessment tools and strategies used to gather the information that determines the educational needs of the student.

Screenshot of the Evaluation Consent Form (N1A) Editor.Evaluation Consent Form (N1A) Editor

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FieldDescriptionValidation
Are the following assessments recommended?

Assessment in All Areas Related to the Suspected Disability(ies)

Options are Yes or No.

N/A
List recommended assessment(s)A description of the recommended assessment.This field is limited to 8000 characters.

Educational Assessment

Options are Yes or No.

N/A

Observation of the Student

Options are Yes or No.

N/A

Health Assessment

Options are Yes or No.

N/A

Psychological Assessment

Options are Yes or No.

N/A

Home Assessment

Options are Yes or No.

N/A

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