Who is responsible for assessing a student's gross-motor skills in an IEP team?

The assessment of a student's gross-motor skills falls mainly within the expertise of a physical therapist. Gross-motor skills involve the larger movements of the body's muscles, such as walking, running, jumping, and maintaining balance. Since physical therapists specialize in movement and physical function, they possess the specific knowledge and tools necessary to accurately evaluate these skills.

In the context of an IEP (Individualized Education Program) team, the physical therapist can assess a student's physical capabilities and provide valuable insights into their mobility needs. This assessment is crucial for determining appropriate interventions, supports, and accommodations that can help the student succeed in their educational environment.

While other professionals, such as special education teachers or psychologists, may contribute to broader aspects of a student's overall development, they do not have the specialized training that physical therapists possess when it comes to the assessment of gross-motor skills. A speech-language pathologist, on the other hand, primarily focuses on communication and related disorders, further highlighting the unique role of the physical therapist in evaluating physical motor skills in students.