Chapter 17
Writing A Comprehensive Report In Special
Education
Brief Summary
Writing a report is not a simple task. It takes knowledge and skill because it is being written for parents,
teachers, and administrators. After reading Chapter 17, your students should be able to understand why
reports need to be written, general guidelines when writing a report, and all sections of a comprehensive
report. These sections include:
▪ Identifying Data
▪ Reason for Referral
▪ Background History
▪ Observations
▪ Tests Administered
▪ Test Results
▪ Conclusions
▪ Recommendations
Lecture and Discussion Outline
I. Overview of Report Writing
II. Practical Guidelines for Report Writing
III. Criteria for Writing a Comprehensive Report
A. Identifying Data
1. Overview
2. Model examples
B. Reason for Referral
1. Overview
2. Model examples
C. Background History
1. Overview
a. Family History
b. Developmental History
c. Academic History
d. Social History
2. Model example
D. Behavioral Observations
E. Test Results
F. Conclusions
G. Recommendations
IV. Model Reports
V. Conclusion
Essay Questions
▪ The Background History section of an educational or psychological report normally consists of
four parts. Define, explain, and give an example of each.
▪ Discuss, in detail, the way the Tests Results section can be written in an educational or
psychological report.