IDEA requires schools to provide a comprehensive evaluation of students who my be eligible for special education services. Given the complexities of the assessment process and the number of professional terms used, it may be difficult for parents to understand the assessment and evaluation. using more easily understood terminology helps to reduce miscommunication between parents and school personnel. The table below provides definitions of assessment terms that may be used in place of professional jargon and terminology during school meetings with parents.
| Jargon | More Easily Understood Terminology |
| IQ, Intelligence quotient. | Intelligence score |
| Standard score | Score compared to other students |
| Percentile rank | Percentage of other students who did as well as or better |
| Quartile | General performance compared to other students |
| Norm-referenced | Tests that can be used to compare him to other students |
| Criterion-referenced | Tests that can be used to see his specific gains |
| Norm group | Group to which we will compare him |
| Ceiling | The maximum level he performed on a test |
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