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

The correct answer is that a physical therapist is responsible for assessing a student's gross-motor skills in an IEP team. Gross-motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups for movements such as running, jumping, and maintaining balance. Physical therapists are specifically trained to evaluate and develop interventions for these types of skills. They have the expertise to assess the physical capabilities of students and identify specific areas where support is needed.

While other professionals like special education teachers, school psychologists, and occupational therapists also play important roles in the IEP process, their focuses differ from that of physical therapists. Special education teachers primarily aim to deliver educational content and adapt instruction for students with varying needs. School psychologists focus on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral assessments to understand a student’s overall functioning. Occupational therapists, on the other hand, concentrate on fine motor skills and activities of daily living rather than the broader range of gross motor skills.