My role on the CST is to evaluation students' academic levels in any area deemed appropriate at the evaluation plan meeting. Also, I function as a case manager for students.

Academic testing can be lengthy. The actual time is depedent upon the student's ability to complete the tasks presented. Typically, a full evaluation (including Reading, English, Spelling, Phonics, Math) will take two hours. Please keep in mind that students are offered breaks throughout which adds to the time of the testing block. 

The students are taken from class during the school day. They are still permitted to attend Special Area classes, unless they would prefer to continue working. The special area teacher must give permission for this to occur. Typically, the teachers do not make the students responsible for all of the work they miss due to the testing, but some assignments may need to be completed. 

It is best practice to complete the testing on one day, but there are exceptions. For example, if the student is unable to attend for longer periods, the tesing may be broken up to shorter periods, over several days. Also, there are times when additional batteries of assessments may be required after scoring the main test battery, with typcially is the Wookcock-Johnson, Fourth Edition.

For new referrals (students never assessed by the CST) I have 90 days to complete the evaluation, write a report and have the results sent to you. For reevaluations, I must adhere to a 60 day time line. You should recieve your report prior to the Eligibility meeting.

At this meeting, the CST will have the opportunity to review the reports (hopefully you have had the opportunity to read the reports) and answer any questions you may have had concerning what was written in each report. After the reports are reviewed, using the data in each report, your child will be determined to be eligible/not eligible for special education services. Your informed, written consent is required to allow your child to be classified. 

If found eligible at the Eligiblity Meeting and your provided your informed written consent, then an IEP is developed which outlines what your child will be working on and in which setting the educational services will occur (self-contained classroom, resource center or in-class resource).

Yes, if new data is provided, the IEP can be changed at any time. You do not have to wait until the annual review.