What type of assessment is used to determine a child's eligibility for special education?

The correct answer is the comprehensive evaluation, which is a critical process used to determine a child's eligibility for special education services. This assessment incorporates multiple sources of information, including standardized tests, observations, parent and teacher reports, and developmental history. The purpose of a comprehensive evaluation is to gather a thorough understanding of the child's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs, which helps in identifying specific disabilities or challenges that may require special education interventions.

A comprehensive evaluation not only assesses a student’s current performance but also includes a review of their strengths and weaknesses to inform educational planning. It ensures that decisions about special education services are backed by a holistic view of the child's abilities and needs. This is essential for developing an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to support the child's unique learning profile.

On the other hand, formative assessments are usually conducted during the learning process to monitor student progress and inform instructional strategies. Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period, focusing on overall achievement rather than eligibility for services. Informal assessments are less structured tools for gathering information, often used for general evaluation rather than specific eligibility determination.