Crafting Comprehensive Recommendations: A Guide for School Psychologists in FIEs

I am done with my FIE, but what do I recommend?

School psychologists play a pivotal role in supporting students through Full Individual Evaluations (FIEs), contributing valuable insights to help create effective educational plans. One critical aspect of the FIE process is the formulation of recommendations. In this blog post, we'll explore the key steps and considerations for school psychologists when writing recommendations to ensure they are comprehensive, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of each student.

1. Thorough Understanding of Assessment Results:

   Before diving into recommendations, school psychologists must have a deep understanding of the assessment results. Analyze cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of concern. This foundation is crucial for developing targeted and meaningful recommendations.

2. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team:

   Engage in collaborative discussions with teachers, special education staff, parents, and any other relevant professionals. These conversations provide valuable perspectives and insights that contribute to well-rounded recommendations. A team approach ensures that recommendations align with the broader goals of the student's education plan.

3. Addressing Academic and Behavioral Concerns:

   Craft recommendations that address both academic and behavioral aspects. For academic concerns, consider strategies for differentiated instruction, specialized interventions, and accommodations. Behavioral recommendations may include targeted interventions, social-emotional support, or behavior management plans.

4. Setting SMART Goals:

   Ensure that recommendations are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Clearly articulate what is expected, how progress will be measured, and the timeframe for implementation. This helps in tracking and assessing the effectiveness of the recommendations.

5. Individualization for Each Student:

   Tailor recommendations to the individual needs of the student. Recognize and account for the unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles of each student. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, and instead, provide personalized strategies that consider the student's profile.

6. Promoting Independence and Self-Advocacy:

   Integrate recommendations that foster the development of independence and self-advocacy skills. Encourage strategies that empower the student to take ownership of their learning and advocate for their needs. This not only supports academic success but also contributes to the student's overall growth.

7. Clear Communication:

   Use clear and jargon-free language in recommendations to ensure they are easily understood by all stakeholders, including parents and teachers. Effective communication enhances collaboration and promotes successful implementation of the recommended strategies.

8. Incorporating Strength-Based Approaches:

   Highlight the student's strengths in recommendations. Emphasize how leveraging these strengths can contribute to addressing challenges and achieving success. A strength-based approach promotes a positive and supportive learning environment.

9. Documentation and Follow-Up:

   Document recommendations thoroughly and provide guidance on monitoring and follow-up. Include details on who is responsible for implementing each recommendation, the expected timeline, and criteria for success. Regular follow-up assessments allow for adjustments and modifications as needed.

Conclusion:

Writing recommendations in Full Individual Evaluations is a dynamic and integral aspect of a school psychologist's role. By following these guidelines—understanding assessment results, collaborating with the team, addressing academic and behavioral concerns, setting SMART goals, individualizing recommendations, promoting independence, ensuring clear communication, incorporating strength-based approaches, and documenting and following up—school psychologists can contribute to the development of effective, student-centered educational plans that support each student's unique journey toward success.