As the demand for special education services continues to rise, the role of educational diagnosticians has become increasingly vital. According to ZipRecruiter, educational diagnosticians evaluate students with learning challenges and identify particular issues they may have. They are special education experts who assess, determine eligibility and work with children with disabilities. Their responsibilities include performing assessments, observing students, presenting findings and collaborating with teachers, administrators, and parents. They also provide special education services when needed.
The online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) – Educational Diagnostician program at Northwest Missouri State University prepares graduates to meet the growing demand for educational diagnosticians. This advanced degree equips students with the necessary skills to assess and support students with disabilities. The program covers comprehensive coursework, including methods of educational assessment, behavioral observation techniques, and strategies for collaborating with educators and families.
What Do Educational Diagnosticians Do?
Educational diagnosticians are responsible for various tasks to support students with learning disabilities. They perform formal assessments, observe student behaviors, present findings in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and collaborate with other educators and parents to develop effective educational plans. They also provide direct special education services if required.
Educational diagnosticians understand elements like learning disabilities, teaching methods and academic testing. Their knowledge allows them to help children excel with learning support. Given the high demand for their expertise, educational diagnostician jobs usually need a master‘s degree. These professionals usually have more experience and professional certifications than general classroom or standard special education teachers.
What Is an Educational Specialist Degree?
An educational specialist degree is an advanced, postgraduate program that focuses on specialized education roles (such as educational diagnostician) and offers in-depth training in specific areas of education. The Ed.S. degree from Northwest Missouri State University is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in educational assessment and intervention.
Northwest’s Ed.S. – Educational Diagnostician online program includes courses like Relational School Leadership and Writing and Interpreting Educational Literature and Statistics, which are essential for developing the skills needed to lead in educational settings. The curriculum prepares students to make data-driven decisions, develop individualized education plans and collaborate effectively with other educators and families to support student success.
Job Outlook and Demand
The need for educational diagnosticians is evident from its attractive average salary. According to ZipRecruiter, educational diagnosticians in the U.S. earn an average of $65,353 a year. The rising number of students eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will likely make this role even more important in the coming years.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that the number of students aged between 3 and 21 served under IDEA in the United States increased from 6.4 million in the school year 2012–13 to 7.5 million in 2022–2023. Taken as a percentage of total public school enrollment, this equates to an increase from 13-15% of students.
As NCES notes, “The number of students served as a percentage of total enrollment is based on total public school enrollment in prekindergarten through grade 12.” In the 2022-23 school year, 15% of all public school students were eligible for these services.
Career Opportunities
Educational diagnosticians must have knowledge of both educational systems and interpersonal communication. Key qualifications and qualities necessary for these professionals include:
- An interest in learning and teaching
- A drive to support students with learning differences
- The capability to guide and facilitate conversations among students, parents and school administrators
- Knowledge of eligibility criteria for many different learning disabilities and delays and various teaching methods for different approaches
- Insight into academic testing and learner accommodations for students who qualify for IDEA services
Graduates of Northwest’s Ed.S. – Educational Diagnostician program can pursue various professional roles, including:
- Educational diagnostician: Work directly with students to assess learning disabilities and develop educational plans
- Special education coordinator: Oversee special education programs and ensure compliance with educational standards
- School administrator: Lead school-wide initiatives to support students with disabilities
By completing this program, graduates are well equipped to meet the increasing demand for educational diagnosticians and significantly impact special education. They have the skills to work with students with disabilities and help them succeed through assessments and community collaboration.
Learn more about Northwest’s online Ed.S. – Educational Diagnostician program.
