A psycho-educational evaluation consists of a series of standardized tests that give insights into how a child learns. The results of the testing can be helpful for the student, her parents, and her teachers. For children who are encountering academic difficulties, the testing helps everyone, particularly the student, understand why she has been struggling. A good evaluation will also include a description of the child's strengths. Sometimes the testing may result in diagnosis of a learning disability; other times it points out specific cognitive vulnerabilities. In all cases, the information can be used to come up with specific learning and teaching strategies.

The testing usually consists of the following:

• cognitive and developmental testing: a series of tests that examine specific cognitive abilities (e.g., abstract thinking, visual/spatial processing, memory);
• academic testing: a series of tests that examine the child's academic skills in math, reading, and writing;
• language testing: a series of tests that examines the child's ability to use and understand language;
• attentional testing: a series of tests that examine the child's ability to manage and sustain her attention and focus
• affective/motivation: a series of tests that examines motivational factors.

In addition to standardized tests, a psycho-educational assessment may use teacher and parent observations, interviews, and work samples as data. For further information, refer to our psycho-educational guidelines.

Last updated 01.23.08

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