Evaluation Review & Interpretation

When a child is evaluated for a suspected learning disability or developmental difference, the resulting report is often filled with standardized scores, percentiles, confidence intervals, and technical language that can be difficult for parents to interpret. Understanding what these scores mean — and, just as importantly, whether the evaluation was conducted appropriately — is essential for ensuring that a child receives the support to which he or she is entitled.

Dr Schneider reviews psychoeducational evaluation reports, whether conducted by a school district or by an independent evaluator, and provides parents with a clear, thorough explanation of the results. Her review addresses:

• What the scores mean and what they reveal about a child's strengths and areas of difficulty

• Whether the instruments used were appropriate for the child's age, abilities, and suspected areas of concern

• Whether floor or ceiling effects, subtest scatter, or other psychometric issues affect the interpretability of the results

• Whether all relevant areas of ability were assessed or whether important areas were overlooked

• What the results indicate about the child's educational needs, including the types of instruction, intervention, and accommodation likely to be most effective

• Whether an independent educational evaluation (IEE) may be warranted and, if so, what it should include

Dr Schneider's work in evaluation review draws on years of research and experience in psychoeducational assessment, including contributions to the validation of the Woodcock-Johnson IV and extensive publications on the use of cognitive and achievement tests in the identification of learning disabilities.

IEP Consultation & Meeting Support

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times adversarial. Parents often find themselves sitting across the table from a team of professionals and struggling to understand the information being presented, to determine whether what is being proposed is appropriate, or to advocate effectively when they disagree.

Dr Schneider helps families prepare for and participate in IEP meetings with confidence. Her consultation services include:

• Reviewing evaluation data and prior IEPs before the meeting to identify areas of concern

• Helping parents understand what the evaluation results mean for their child's goals and services

• Explaining parents' procedural rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and relevant state regulations

• Attending IEP meetings with families, either in person in Connecticut or virtually, to provide support and ensure that the child's evaluation data is accurately represented in the development of goals and services

• Reviewing proposed IEPs after meetings to determine whether the goals, services, and accommodations are appropriate and consistent with the evaluation data

Expert Consultation for Legal Cases

Dr Schneider provides expert analysis of psychoeducational assessment data for special education legal cases. Her work in this area draws on extensive experience in test development, validation, and interpretation, as well as a body of published research on the use of cognitive and achievement tests in the identification of learning disabilities and the determination of appropriate educational supports.

Dr Schneider does not serve as legal counsel. Parents who anticipate or are currently engaged in formal dispute resolution (mediation, due process hearings) should consult with a special education attorney. Dr Schneider is available to work collaboratively with attorneys as an expert consultant in such cases.

Services include:

• Review and analysis of psychoeducational evaluation reports

• Identification of psychometric issues, including inappropriate instrument selection, floor and ceiling effects, and unsupported diagnostic conclusions

• Expert opinion on whether evaluations were conducted in a manner consistent with professional standards and legal requirements

• Consultation on the educational implications of assessment data

• Expert reports and testimony

Parent Education & Coaching

Not every family needs someone to attend meetings or review evaluations on their behalf. Some parents want to understand the special education system well enough to navigate it with confidence on their own. Dr Schneider provides individualized coaching and education for parents who want to learn:

• How psychoeducational evaluations work, what the scores mean, and what to look for in a report

• What their rights are under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• How the IEP process works and how to prepare effectively for meetings

• How to identify whether a child's goals, services, and accommodations are appropriate

• When and how to request an independent educational evaluation

• How to communicate effectively with school teams and advocate for a child's needs

Dr Schneider also offers workshops and presentations for parent groups and organizations on topics related to evaluation, learning disabilities, and the special education process. Organizations interested in hosting a presentation may contact Dr Schneider directly.