Conceptual, Identification and Assessment of Students with Diverse Needs

This chapter provides an overview of access to education for children with diverse needs. It covers the various models of assessment and how these have influenced the definition of assessment of children over time. The chapter highlights the ICF as a concept for understanding assessment in an inclusive environment with a focus on environmental factors as opposed to factors at the body structure and function level. A systems approach to assessment utilizing the zoom lens approach is suggested to guide the understanding of a child with disabilities in the classroom and the implications for the classroom environment and teacher. This approach requires the teacher to focus on the child’s strengths and weaknesses as well as understand the influence of the classroom and school environment on the child’s abilities.