What are the two most common types of assessments used to evaluate students for special education?

The two most common types of assessments used to evaluate students for special education are standardized tests and informal assessments. Standardized tests provide a structured way to measure a student's academic abilities and compare them to a normative sample, which can help identify specific learning disabilities or educational needs. These tests are often administered in a consistent manner and can offer quantifiable data regarding a student's performance across various domains, making them valuable for eligibility determination.

Informal assessments, on the other hand, allow for a more flexible and comprehensive evaluation of a child's abilities and challenges. These assessments can include observations, work samples, and dynamic assessments, providing insights that standardized tests may not capture. Together, these two types of assessment help create a well-rounded view of a student's strengths and weaknesses, thus informing effective educational planning and interventions.

The other options, while they do include valuable assessment methods, do not encompass the two most commonly recognized categories used for formal evaluation in special education.