A first-grade teacher is participating in an initial special education evaluation of a student in the teacher's class. In addition to documenting the student's current level of academic performance, the teacher would typically provide which information to the evaluation team?

• A. Documentation of the strategies and modifications to instruction that have been tried with the student
• B. The student's daily attendance record
• C. Family socioeconomic data
• D. The teacher's grading rubric

Answer: (A)

When evaluating a student for special education, the team needs to see how the student has responded to instruction and what has already been tried in the classroom. Documenting the strategies and modifications that have been implemented is essential because it shows what supports have been provided and whether they have been effective. This information helps the team decide what additional services or accommodations might be needed and guides the development of an appropriate plan in the IEP. It also establishes a starting point for measuring progress.

Daily attendance data, family socioeconomic information, and the teacher’s grading rubric don’t directly inform the student’s instructional needs or how they respond to interventions, so they aren’t typically required for the initial evaluation data.