Coronavirus and Schools: New Evaluations During the COVID-19 Closures
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
If we had a parent request for testing prior to the shut down and the school team decided to move ahead with the evaluation would you recommend sending out the PTE now, knowing we won't be able to start the testing, or can we wait until school is back in session?
Although we have advised that you try to complete evaluations (without face-to-face testing and assessment) for which you have already received a returned parent permission form, we do not recommend that you issue a PTE now, even if the district agrees that an evaluation is needed. The evaluations and reevaluations we are recommending you complete over the closure are solely for the purpose of timelines compliance. We are not recommending that you invite more timeline compliance issues by issuing new permissions at this time. Instead, send the following to the parents in this situation:
We have agreed that a multidisciplinary team evaluation of your child, ___________, is needed. The current closure of schools that Governor Wolf has ordered, however, prevent the completion of evaluation activities at this time. Immediately upon the resumption of school, we will be issuing a Permission to Evaluate form to you. Receipt of this form back from you indicating your consent will enable us to proceed with the evaluation. Thank you for your patience in trying times.
Sending this message by email or email attachment is perfectly acceptable.