I checked in IDEA 2004. Rules for evaluations are set under 20 USC Section 1414 (you can google this) and the part about requirements for evaluators is:
B) any standardized tests that are given to the child--
(iii) are administered in accordance with any instructions provided by the producer of such tests;
Of course, this does not address the question of the qualifications of the personnel who are not administering tests but are conducting other types of evaluations. Each state is allowed to create requirements, certifications and licenses for any type of specialty -- or not. You must check with YOUR state's rules. For example, in NY, there are NO official requirements for an autism consultant. Since most of the reason why an autism consultant is brought into a classroom has to do with undesirable behaviors, most autism consultants around here are BCBA's. However, there is no requirement that they have to be. Just an example. You would be best off to check your state's regs.
Just a suggestion -- since you're both a parent of a special needs child and a teacher of children with special needs, it would be worth ordering IDEA 2004 from the Wrightslaw website. You get the book plus a PDF of it for .95. IDEA 2004 is then annotated by Pete Wright, which makes the book more valuable than simply trying to download IDEA 2004 from the Internet. I was required, as , and it took more than a whole ink cartridge! Printing things off the Internet is not always a bargain. Also, if you don't have a copy of your own state's regs, get one. Either from your State Ed Dept. or off their website. It will help you immensely, as a parent and as a teacher.
Hi Tzoya!
I am directing this question to you because I know you are familiar with the specific part of the law, and my question is partly philosophical and you are experienced in this area.
Here goes:
Our state law says (like federal law) that a person who is licensed in the area of the child's disability must conduct the evaluation and be on the team for the IEP. Interestingly, there are few states with an actual license for autism, and currently MN is not one of them. (Last I knew only Michigan had it, but I think this is changing rapidly). So in MN if you want to teach kids with ASD, you have to get a license in Developmental Disabilities because that is the category under which ASD falls.
MN also has criteria set forth to be considered as an Autism Resource Specialist. This criteria is that you must have 3 years experience working directly with ASD, and 100 hours minimum continuing education hours in the last 5 years. Notice NO license requirement.
What if a school district was having an Autism Resource Specialist act as the "team member" when the ARS does not have a DD license. Do you consider this to be out of compliance? Especially if there are others in the district who meet BOTH criteria?
Just curious for your opinion about this and if you have any info on other state practices,etc.