Glossary of Terms

The following are components that may be included in an individual evaluation to determine whether a child has a disability. Some terms are specifically identified on the STAC-5 form for reimbursement purposes as required components of an individual evaluation (Table 1). Some are evaluation components that may be used to identify the factors that may contribute to an individual student's disability (Table 2). The remaining are not acceptable as components for reimbursement and should be included as part of another component if appropriate (Table 3). Only the components and codes listed in Tables 1 and 2 may be included on electronically transmitted STAC-5 forms.

INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION COMPONENTS (Table 1)
(Required Initial Evaluations)Reimbursed through the STAC System
Evaluation
Component
Code Areas To Be Assessed Qualified Staff Who May Conduct the Evaluation
Physical Examination

(In accordance with Sections 903, 904 and 905 of the Education Law)

PHY Vision, hearing physical impairment and medical needs which affect a child's developmental progress. School physician
Nurse practitioner
Physician's assistant
Social History

(Section 200.1(tt) Regulations of the Commissioner)

SOC Interpersonal, familial and environmental factors which influence a student's general adjustment to school, including, but not limited to, information on family composition, student's family history, student's health and family interaction. Social worker
School psychologist
Special education teacher
School administrator
School nurse
Psychological

(Section 200.1(bb) Regulations of the Commissioner)

PSY Developmental learning, behavioral and other personality characteristics. Areas may include: general intelligence, learning strengths and weaknesses, instructional needs, social interactions and relationships. School psychologist
Licensed psychologist

 

OTHER EVALUATION COMPONENTS (Table 2)
(Additional components that may be included for reimbursement at the SED established rate)
Evaluation Component Code Areas To Be Assessed Qualified Staff Who May Conduct the Evaluation
Audiological AUD Identifies the type, classification and degree of a child's hearing loss as it relates to the development and understanding of spoken language. Licensed audiologist
Licensed physician
Nurse practitioner
Education Evaluation EDU Identifies a child's level of achievement, knowledge, and development in subject and skill areas such as maintaining attention, auditory and visual perception, fine and gross motor skills, and self-help skills, social interactions and learning styles. Special education teacher
School psychologist
Neurological Examination NEU A specialized medical examination of the nervous system. A medical history focusing on the nervous system is taken. Typically, the exam tests vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps to determine if the problem is in the nervous system. Neurologist
Pediatric neurologist
Neuro - psychological Evaluation NPY Provides a description of a range of cognitive deficits and strengths in such areas as: organizational skills; intellectual functioning; sensory and perceptual functioning; language comprehension and expression; attention, concentration and alertness; problem solving and judgment; flexibility of thought process; memory; rate of information processing; sequencing ability; and temporal and spacial abilities. Neuropsychologist
Occupational Therapy OCT Developmental level of the student in oral-motor, sensory processing, visual-perceptual-motor function, manual dexterity, play and self-help skills. Licensed occupational therapist
Optometric OPT An examination of the eyes and related structures to determine the presence of vision problems and eye disorders and, if necessary, the prescription and adaptation of lenses and other optical aids or the use of vision training for maximum visual efficiency. Licensed optometrist
Orthopedic ORT An examination by a medical specialist concerned with the preservation, restoration and development of form and function of the musculoskeletal system, extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. Licensed orthopedist
Otolaryngology OTO A medical evaluation by a specialist dealing with the ear, nose, and throat which is not generally part of an evaluation to determine a child's special education needs unless justification is given as to how the evaluation provides information about a child's language and communication or hearing as compared to generally expected developmental age milestones. Otolaryngologist
Physical Therapy PHT Developmental level in the motor area, including range of motion, muscle testing, sensory integration, endurance, balance and equilibrium, postural and joint deviation, gait analysis, personal independence, checking of prosthetic and orthotic equipment and devices, wheel chair management (if applicable) and identification of architectural barriers and transportation needs. Licensed physical therapist
Psychiatric PYC A medical evaluation that deals with the mental, emotional and behavioral functioning of a child as these areas related to the child's learning, acquisition of skills and interpersonal relationships with peers and adults. A physician with a license in clinical psychiatry
Speech and Language SPT Developmental level at which a child understands and uses language to communicate and interact with adults and peers. Includes phonology, the correct production of sounds; semantics or understanding and production of words and sentences, and abstract or relational words; grammar, intonation, pragmatic use of language to communicate or express needs and intention. Teacher of the speech and hearing impaired, licensed speech pathologist.

EVALUATION COMPONENTS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS STAND-ALONE (Table 3) The STAC System does not automatically recognize the evaluation terms listed on the left column of Table 3. These are typically included in other evaluation components such as the terms noted on the right hand column. Requests for reimbursement for these "specialty" evaluations require the completion of the STAC-5 form, with an attached explanation by the CPSE.

Evaluation for: May be part of:
Adapted PE Physical/Medical (PHY)
Physical Therapy (PHT)
Art Therapy/Play Psychological (PSY)
Augmented Communication Speech/Language (SPT)
Cleft Palate (no team) Physical/Medical (PHY)
Speech/Language (SPT)
Physical Coordination and Balance Physical/Medical (PHY)
Physical Therapy (PHT)
Counseling Psychological or other assessments of social
functioning (PSY)
Developmental Assessment Physical/Medical (PHY)
Ear/Nose/Throat Physical/Medical (PHY)
Feeding Physical/Medical (PHY)
Speech/Language (SPT)
Music Therapy Psychological (PSY)
Oral Motor Physical/Medical (PHY)
Orientation and Mobility Psychiatric (PYC)
Optometric (OPT)
Occupational Therapy (OCT)
Physical Therapy (PHT)
Audiological (AUD)
Evaluation by a Teacher of the Deaf Education Evaluation
Evaluation by a Teacher of the Blind/Visually Handicapped Education Evaluation

The following should not be included for reimbursement on the STAC-5 form: 

  • developmental observation - an observation of the student is required in the initial evaluation, however it is not reimbursed as a separate component,
  • genetics,
  • screening,
  • social work assessment, and
  • summary report - there is no established reimbursement rate for the completion of the summary report in English. Reimbursement is provided for the cost of translating the summary report into a language other than English for a child's parent, if the translation is not part of a bilingual assessment of the child.
Last Updated: April 21, 2022