What type of assessments are primarily used in special education to identify student needs?

The choice of psychological and educational assessments as the primary type of assessments used in special education to identify student needs is accurate because these assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of a student's cognitive, emotional, and educational status. Psychological assessments often measure aspects such as intelligence, learning disabilities, and emotional well-being, while educational assessments evaluate academic skills, learning styles, and areas of need in the curriculum. This holistic approach allows educators to better understand the individual challenges students face and develop tailored interventions.

These assessments are typically conducted by trained professionals who can interpret the results effectively and provide recommendations tailored to each student's unique profile. This thorough approach is essential in special education, as it supports the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that address specific needs and set appropriate goals for student development and learning.

In contrast, standardized tests might not capture all aspects of a student's abilities and needs, especially for those with special needs who may not perform well under the constraints of standardized testing formats. Physical assessments focus primarily on health and motor skills, which may not provide sufficient insight into a student's educational needs. Parent surveys can provide valuable information about a child's behavior or skills at home but are not formal assessments of educational or psychological needs and should ideally complement, rather than replace, professional evaluations. Thus