Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code    JLDAC Policy Name Screening/Testing of Students (& Treatment of Mental Disorders) Adoption April 7, 1992 Revised

Students shall not be required to submit to any psychiatric or psychological methods or procedures for the purpose of diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of any emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or disability as part of any classroom or instructional activity without parental knowledge and consent.

Certificated school personnel are encouraged to be knowledgeable about psychiatric or psychological methods and procedures but shall not be involved in any diagnosis, assessment or treatment of any type of mental disorder or disability unless appropriately certified. In accordance with state law, school personnel, including certified school psychologists, are not authorized to practice psychotherapy or utilize any psychiatric or psychological procedure outside of or beyond their area of training, experience, or competence.

Psychological tests shall be administered to students only by appropriately certified school personnel employed for this purpose or by interns under their supervision. Adherence to this policy shall ensure quality psychological services and shall protect the educational rights, dignity, and privacy of students, parents, and families.

Psychological examination and testing shall be made only after informed and written consent of the student’s parents or guardian is obtained unless the student is of legal age to give his/her informed and written consent. Psychological data shall be only one of several criteria for determining any change in a student’s educational program. Psychological data older than three years shall not be used as the basis for prescriptive teaching or placement.

The giving of parental permission for evaluation in anticipation of a special education staffing and possible provision of services for a handicapped student and any subsequent approval for the provision of such services is governed by state and federal law and is outside the scope of this policy. This policy is in addition to and does not supersede any other legal rights or obligations of parents and students.

Ordinary classroom instruction, activities, and techniques involving the approved curriculum which teach about psychological methods or procedures shall be permissible and considered outside the scope of this policy. It is understood that there is a significant difference between practicing therapy and providing activities that may be therapeutic in nature. In all cases, care must be exercised to protect the privacy rights of students.

Legal Reference:  C.R.S. 12-43-202

                           C.R.S. 22-32-109.2

Cross Reference: GCS, Professional Research and Publishing

                           ILBA, District Program Assessments

                           ILBB, State Program Assessments

                           JRA/JRC, Student Records/Release of Information on Students

                           LC, Relations with Education Research Agencies