Assessments for an IEP must be conducted in:

The requirement for assessments for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to be conducted in the student's native language is rooted in ensuring that the student’s abilities and needs are accurately identified and understood. By using the student's native language, educators are able to obtain a clearer picture of the student's comprehension and skills without the interference of language barriers. This is essential because assessments conducted in the student's primary language can lead to more equitable and valid results, ultimately guiding the development of an appropriate and effective educational plan tailored to meet the student's unique needs.

Conducting assessments only in English or a specific language, like Spanish, would not consider the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students with disabilities and may result in misinterpretation of their needs. Therefore, assessments should ideally be conducted in any language that reflects the student’s proficiency to get reliable data about the student's abilities and challenges. The focus is always on the best interest of the student, ensuring that they have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a comfortable and accessible manner.