In order to help learners identify their cognitive, academic and behavioral strengths and struggles, psychoeducation/educational evaluations may be recommended. These comprehensive assessments are geared toward determining how aspects of development and cognitive processes will impact a student’s educational experience. Specifically, psychoeducational/educational testing helps students, parents, and educators understand the differences in cognitive processes that underlie educational difficulties, presenting barriers to success in school and in life. We offer a comprehensive battery of tests that can assess for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other common learning differences. These tests also assess for common mood and behavior disorders that may mimic learning differences. Our psychoeducational testing batteries meet or exceed state requirements for diagnosis of specific learning disability (SLD), which may be necessary if there is a need for special education support and accommodations.
Who Should Receive Psychoeducational/Educational Evaluation?
The main goal of our assessments at all levels is to help an individual better understand the way that the mind works in order to maximize their strengths and address challenges. When it comes to psychoeducational/educational evaluations, this is especially true. In many cases, the results of these assessments are used to determine what support learners need at all levels of their educational experience from elementary to college or advanced secondary education.
Even if a student has never received a specific diagnosis, they may opt to complete an assessment prior to taking placement exams or entering college. Mild learning differences can significantly impede a student’s success when taking lengthy, challenging exams like the SAT and ACT. College is also a different educational environment, and even if your child has received accommodation based on school counseling assessment, they may not qualify for the same educational support in college. Many universities require more advanced testing to offer accommodations, and if a student goes on to complete advanced secondary education, testing agencies and professional licensing boards typically require specific testing to offer accommodation. A psychoeducational/educational evaluation at Northern Colorado Assessment Center can offer the documentation necessary in all of these situations.
What Kind of Testing is Involved?
Our psychologist may ask students to take a range of assessments, including:
- Achievement and cognitive testing for academic strengths and weaknesses
- Emotional and behavioral assessments
- Clinical interviews
- Teacher input
- Educational history
- Interviews with parents, educators, and others as relevant
- Medical and developmental history and questionnaires
The bulk of time will be spent completing our comprehensive psychoeducational/educational testing battery that addresses cognitive development and achievement areas. These tests evaluate reading comprehension, spelling, writing, and mathematics as well as basic cognitive processing, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, processing speeds, organization, and attentiveness. We may also observe your child’s ability to learn in a traditional educational environment and/or using current accommodations. We may interview or ask for ratings from parents and teachers regarding a younger child’s ability to learn in specific situations.
After your child has completed the testing battery, we will create a complete report summarizing all of the information we’ve received through the psychoeducational/educational evaluation process. The report includes:
- Recommendations for continued support
- Necessary accommodations to address barriers to learning
- Need for special testing support
- College education accommodations
If you already have education accommodations, we can also review the results of your current assessments or help you understand the report. We also offer consultation services if you need an advocate for your student with educators, testing boards, and administrators. To learn more about our psychoeducational testing in Fort Collins, CO or to schedule an appointment, contact us.