In evaluating ADHD for a second-grade student, what must the ARD committee base its determination on?

• A. Information from multiple data sources
• B. A single standardized test score
• C. ADHD diagnosis alone
• D. Parent report without school data

Answer: (A)

Evaluations for eligibility and needed supports must be based on information gathered from multiple data sources. This provides a complete picture of how the student functions across settings and tasks, not just what one test or one report shows. An ADHD diagnosis alone doesn’t prove educational need, and a single standardized score can miss how attention, organization, or behavior affects learning in class. By combining teacher observations, parent input, behavior rating scales, direct classroom observations, and samples of work and performance data, the ARD committee can determine whether ADHD is impacting the student’s access to FAPE and what services or accommodations are appropriate.