What is the primary purpose of educational evaluation in special education?

• A. To identify students with disabilities.
• B. To ensure compliance with legislation.
• C. To gauge teacher effectiveness.
• D. To determine curriculum standards.

Answer: (A)

The primary purpose of educational evaluation in special education is to identify students with disabilities. This process is essential because it allows educators and professionals to assess a student's individual needs and determine whether they qualify for special education services. Identification involves comprehensive assessments that examine various aspects of a student's cognitive, academic, and functional abilities.

Once a student is identified as having a disability, appropriate interventions and support can be tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and accommodations to succeed. This focus on identifying disabilities is foundational to the special education process, as it establishes the groundwork for individual education plans (IEPs) and the provision of specialized services designed to facilitate learning and development.

Other aspects, such as ensuring compliance with legislation or gauging teacher effectiveness, while important, are not the primary focus of educational evaluations in the context of special education. Similarly, determining curriculum standards relates more to educational policy and framework rather than directly addressing the needs of students with disabilities through evaluation.