FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

JIM HORNE

Commissioner of Education

F. PHILIP HANDY,

Chairman

T. WILLARD FAIR,

Vice Chairman

Members

LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.

CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA

JULIA L. JOHNSON

WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.

LINDA K. TAYLOR

August 11, 2004

M E M O R A N D U M # 04-47

TO:

Exceptional Student Education Directors

FROM:

Michele Polland

SUBJECT:

Considerations for Educationally Relevant Therapy

The Considerations for Educationally Relevant Therapy (CERT) for Occupational and Physical Therapy is a

summary of educational considerations based upon a review of student records, evaluations, and other data by

the occupational therapist or physical therapist. It was developed to better assist occupational therapists and

physical therapists working in the educational environment with recommendations for educationally relevant

school-based therapy. It is not an evaluation or assessment instrument. Occupational therapists (OT) and

physical therapists (PT), along with the individual educational plan (IEP) team, determine the need for

educationally relevant therapy based upon the student’s IEP goals and objectives. The CERT can be used to

assist the IEP team in making decisions for appropriate therapy services.

Based upon review and comments by Bureau District Partners, Exceptional Student Education Directors, and

OT/PT Coordinators, a committee of school-based occupational therapists, physical therapists, parents, and

representatives from the advocacy centers worked together for the past two years to revise the CERT.

Enclosed is a copy of the revised CERT dated 7/04, which includes directions and the summary sheet. Please

discard all previous drafts of the CERT.

A CERT training video is being produced and will be disseminated to OT/PT Coordinators this fall. This video

will provide school-based occupational and physical therapists detailed directions for the completion of the

CERT. The

Occupational and Physical Therapy Evaluations of Functional Skills in the Educational

Environment

manual is also in the process of being revised and should be ready for dissemination in the fall.

If you have questions concerning the revision process for the CERT, please contact Ms. Lezlie Cline, Program

Specialist, Florida Department of Education, at 850-245-0478 or via email at

Lezlie.cline@fldoe.org.

MP/lcr

Enclosures

cc:

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Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Coordinators

State Advisory Committee

MICHELE POLLAND

Acting Chief

Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services

325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 614 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0475 • www.fldoe.org