How should diagnostic reporting be structured to be useful for intervention planning?

• A. Provide a detailed list of tests without interpretation.
• B. A report should only list test names and scores.
• C. A report should weave converging evidence, note discrepancies, discuss limitations, and provide an actionable set of recommendations with rationale and expected outcomes.
• D. A report should avoid any interpretation or recommendations.

Answer: (C)

Diagnostic reporting should translate assessment data into a clear, actionable plan for intervention. This means weaving together converging evidence from multiple sources to create a cohesive picture of the student's strengths and needs, so educators can see not just what was found but how it all fits together for planning supports. When data from different measures align, it strengthens the case for specific interventions. When there are discrepancies—for example, strengths in one area but weaknesses in another—the report should call out those gaps and consider possible explanations, such as test validity for the student or contextual factors that might influence performance. Acknowledging limitations is important too, so planners understand where results may be imperfect or generalizable with caution.

Most helpful are recommendations that are concrete, justified by the data, and accompanied by expected outcomes and a plan for monitoring progress. This includes specifying targeted strategies or services, the intensity and duration of supports, who is responsible, and how progress will be measured over time. Linking each recommendation to the observed data helps ensure that interventions are purposeful and that progress can be tracked to determine effectiveness.

Providing only a list of test names and scores, or offering interpretations without actionable guidance, leaves intervention planning unclear and difficult to implement. Imagine a report that explains what was found but does not say what to do next; that makes it hard to translate findings into meaningful supports for the student.