Which type of test helps identify a student’s need for special education services?

The choice of Diagnostic Achievement Tests is appropriate for identifying a student’s need for special education services because these tests are specifically designed to assess a student's strengths and weaknesses in various areas of learning. They provide detailed information about a student's academic performance and functioning in different domains, which is crucial for determining eligibility for special education.

These tests evaluate specific skills and academic areas, allowing educators to pinpoint areas where a student may be struggling significantly compared to their peers, which could signify the need for additional support, such as special education services. In contrast, other types of tests, such as competency tests or high-stakes tests, typically assess general knowledge or skills without the same level of detail about individual learning needs. Achievement tests focus more on overall academic performance rather than diagnosing specific issues, making them less effective for identifying special education requirements.