For a student with a severe intellectual disability, which additional assessment is critical for educational planning?

For a student with a severe intellectual disability, conducting an adaptive behavior assessment is crucial for educational planning. Adaptive behavior refers to the practical skills necessary for daily living, such as communication, self-care, social interaction, and handling emergencies.

Understanding a student's level of adaptive behavior provides valuable insights that go beyond academic achievement, which is especially important for students with significant disabilities who may struggle with traditional academic tasks. This assessment helps educators and support teams develop individualized educational plans and interventions that cater to the unique needs of the student, ensuring that they receive appropriate services and resources that enhance their independence and quality of life.

The other types of assessments, such as standardized tests of achievement or personality assessments, may not fully capture the functional capabilities and needs of students with severe intellectual disabilities. Similarly, while social skills assessments are important, they are typically a component of the broader adaptive behavior assessment rather than a standalone priority in educational planning for these students.