Examination of educational evaluation processes of guidance and research centers: The example of Burdur province

This research aims to describe the opinions and suggestions of teachers working in Regional Education Centers (RAMs) in Burdur province regarding the diagnosis, assessment, and monitoring processes of children with special needs. The research was designed using a case study, which is among the qualitative research designs. Since the sample of the research covers the RAMs in Burdur province, 15 teachers working in Burdur Central RAM, Gölhisar RAM, and Bucak Abdurrahman Taş RAM were included in the research. The data of the research were obtained using a semi-structured interview form and a researcher's journal. The data obtained through interviews and the researcher's journal were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. The results show that educational assessment is a multidimensional process that supports the academic, cognitive, and social development of the student, and is carried out systematically with the steps of diagnosis, referral, monitoring, and report renewal. The process is carried out in an integrated manner with official documents and standard forms, as well as teacher observations, family interviews, and data obtained from multiple sources; referral is provided in accordance with the principle of the least restrictive environment, taking into account the student's individual performance and social adjustment. However, family interference, insufficient institutional capacity, lack of materials and tools, time management problems, and limitations in personnel resources negatively affect the effectiveness of the process.