Comprehensive Assessment of Emotional Disturbance: A Cross-Validation Approach

Assessing a student for emotional disturbance is a serious and complex task given the stigma of the label and the ambiguities of the federal definition. One way that school psychologists can be more confident in their assessment results is to cross validate data from different sources using the RIOT approach (Review, Interview, Observe, Test). Because each data collection process has advantages and limitations, using all four processes together allows for comprehensive assessment for emotional disturbance. Additionally, school psychologists should strongly consider a student’s strengths, cultural factors, and the interaction between the student and the environment in order to interpret assessment findings. This approach serves to tailor interventions regardless of diagnosis.