| Patrick T. Andriano, EsquireBeyond the Scores: Requirements and Best Practices for Special Education Evaluations and Report Writing | Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 | 8:30am - 11:30am School psychologists play a critical role in special education evaluation and eligibility determination. This session examines the legal framework under IDEA and Virginia regulations governing evaluations, with a focus on best practices for conducting thorough, individualized assessments and writing defensible evaluation reports. |
 | Charles Barrett, Ph.D., NCSP (school psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools)Evaluating Multilingual Learners: The Role of Nonverbal Cognitive Instruments and Implications for Ethical Practice | Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 | 8:30am - 11:30am Because evaluating multilingual learners (MLLs) is a critical area of contemporary school psychology practice, ongoing professional learning is necessary to help graduate students and practitioners refine their skills. Led by a school psychologist and district-level administrator, this session highlights the importance of using nonverbal tools when evaluating MLLs. Though particular attention is given to the newly released nonverbal index of the Woodcock-Johnson, Fifth Edition (WJ-5), the session balances its unique features with the value that nonverbal assessment, more broadly, affords practitioners making clinical and special education eligibility decisions. Ethical implications for defensible school-based practice and policy will be discussed. |
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©Virginia Academy of School Psychology 2026
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