Demystifying the Ed Psych Assessment
What is an educational psychological assessment?
This assessment evaluates your child’s thinking and problem solving abilities, as well as your child’s academic achievement skills in the areas of reading, writing and or mathematics. The purpose of an educational psychology assessment is to obtain information that can inform educational program planning.
Why would it be suggested by my child’s school?
Some possible reasons for an educational psychological assessment:
To diagnose possible learning or developmental problems, attention deficit disorders or other psychological issues
To identify cognitive weaknesses and strengths
To choose the educational environment, supports and accommodations that best suits your child’s needs
What can be expected during the assessment?
The assessment may include interviews, observations, testing and consultation with other professionals involved in your child’s care.
Cognitive testing may include specific assessments which focus on your child’s skills in the following areas: verbal comprehension, non-verbal reasoning, memory, speed of processing, and auditory processing.
Academic Achievement assessments may also be administered which would explore the level of competency your child has in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics.
Checklists and information forms may be gathered which focus on your child’s behaviors and/or adaptive behaviors at home and at school.
How are the results shared?
They will be communicated through a written report, outlining the results of the assessment and the recommendations for intervention.
The educational psychologist will meet with you to provide feedback and to discuss your child’s results.
You will receive a copy of the written report, and one will be placed in your child’s file at school.