What’s in this investigation
- A former APS psychologist’s state complaint alleges unqualified staff administered psychological evaluations. APS disputes the allegation.
- A 12-year-old student’s testing is cited in the complaint as an example of potentially invalid evaluation work.
- Internal Georgia Department of Education documents show staff flagged a broader increase in educators filing special education complaints against their own districts.
- 2024 APS audit findings detail documentation and timeline problems that can affect referrals, evaluations and IEP decisions.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A former Atlanta Public Schools (APS) psychologist has filed a formal complaint with the Georgia Department of Education alleging the district allowed unqualified staff to conduct student psychological evaluations — a claim APS denies — as internal state documents show a broader uptick in special education complaints filed by school employees.
The complaint centers, in part, on the evaluation of a 12-year-old Atlanta student whose mother, Natalie Robinson, said she sought help after noticing her daughter appeared to struggle in reading comprehension.
“She just freezes up like she’s scared to read or something,” Robinson said…