Before formal evaluation, which professionals observe identified students?

• A. School psychologists and counselors
• B. Teachers
• C. Social workers
• D. Parents

Answer: (A)

Before formal evaluation, trained professionals who gather and interpret data through observation are school psychologists and counselors. They bring specialized skills to watch how a student learns, behaves, and interacts in the school setting, which helps determine whether a full evaluation is needed and what areas to focus on. School psychologists can observe learning and behavior patterns, often conducting initial assessments and planning next steps, while counselors can observe emotional and social functioning and gather relevant student history. Teachers, social workers, and parents may also share observations, but the combination of a school psychologist and a counselor is the most direct source for formal pre-evaluation observation and planning.