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As a school psychologist, evaluations are a huge part of my job, and one of the areas that I try to streamline things in as much as possible. Let’s face it, there are some weeks or months where you haven’t opened up a test kit in a while, and others when you are just barely making it to your timeline.

The first tool I use is a pretty quick and easy one to develop.

What is it? A cover letter that you can attach to parent and teacher rating scales that provides a quick explaination of what it is, when you ened it back, and what to do if they have any questions.

How do I use it? I use this template with every single evaluation I do to send things home to parents and to teachers. Almost immediately after I get assigned an evaluation, I take out a parent and teacher one, and pull out whatever forms or protcols I need. I write in whatever I am sending,

and paperclip them all together. I send home the parent forms in a manila envelope, and the teacher form I put in their mailbox in these semi-obnoxious envelopes that are difficult to lose.

Create it:

For teachers, here is a sample of the text I use.

Dear _______________

As you may know, I am evaluating ___________ as part of an
upcoming evaluation for special education services. As a teacher, your
input is extremely important part of this process! Attached, please find
the following form(s):

Please fill in the requested information, and follow the detailed instructions
on each form. Please make sure to answer each question and respond as
accurately as possible. If you are unsure of a question, you can always
write a note in the margins to provide additional information. If you have
any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Please return the form(s) within two weeks! Thank you!

And parents…

Dear _______________

As you know, I am evaluating ___________ as part of their
upcoming evaluation for special education services. Parents are an
extremely important part of this process! Attached, please find the
following form(s):

Please fill in the requested information, and follow the detailed instructions
on each form. Please make sure to answer each question and respond as
accurately as possible. If you are unsure of a question, you can always
write a note in the margins to provide additional information. If you have
any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Please return the form(s) within two weeks! Thank you!

 

Or Use Mine: You can find the parent and teacher version of the ones I created in my keep calm freebies. This is the exact version of the one I use, just without my contact information on the bottom.

So, in closing, your mission is to create a cover letter for teachers and parents that you can quickly pull out as you are preparing evaluations this year. Don’t forget to print multiple copies or make yourself a note to do that when you get back to school!