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Thrive! Assessment

Our Assessment Program

Thrive! Assessment is a statewide resource of professionals who have specific expertise in the education of children and young adults who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We provide the following services:

  • Parent and Staff Consultation
  • Student Assessment

There are two models of student assessment:

  • On Campus Assessment
  • Consultation

Referral questions and careful consideration of the characteristics and needs of individual student determine which model is appropriate. The evaluations conducted by Thrive! assessment team do not take place of initial or triennial Individualized Education Program (IEP) evaluations or Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). Our assessments are not part of the IEP process, and our team does not participate in IEP meetings. Our recommendations are made for IEP teams, including families, to consider for IEPs.

Eligibility

  • Has documented hearing loss which adversely affects educational performance
  • Has unresolved educational concerns following thorough district assessment
  • Has complex learning profile, in addition to assessment needs, that cannot be addressed locally

Our Focus

Areas of assessment may include:

  • Audiological
  • Speech and Language
  • ASL and Communication
  • Cognition
  • Perceptual Motor Skills
  • Academic Achievement
  • Adaptive Skills
  • Social-Emotional Functioning

On Campus Assessment

Referral questions are addressed over 3 to 4 days through direct assessment, observations, and parent/staff interviews. Results and recommendations are discussed in a collaborative conference via ZOOM with parents and district professionals.

A comprehensive written report will be sent within 60-days, which completes the process. If the report requires language translation, the district will be responsible for providing that service.

This format is appropriate for students who can respond to formal testing on campus. Accommodations are at the family’s own expense.

Consultation

Referral questions are addressed during 1 to 2 days of possible direct observation, virtual meetings with parent and selected district team members, and discussion with educational staff. A collaborative conference via ZOOM with parents and district professionals is followed by a written report.

This format is appropriate for students whose strengths and needs are best demonstrated through interactions within their familiar home and school environments.

Application Information

Please complete the application packet in the link box provided. If IEP team members, including families, would like to request an assessment, we require the families and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) provide access to relevant records (including current IEP, audiogram, triennial evaluation from within the last 3 years).

We require a district representative and the student’s parent/guardian to attend a collaborative conference via ZOOM to review the evaluation results and recommendations. This collaborative conference is not an IEP meeting.

For further information, please contact Kristi Townshend, Psy. S. School Psychologist and Coordinator of Thrive! Assessment.