The assessment not only identified how our daughter thinks and learns, but helped us understand her better. Now we know how to help her. We were given a learning profile to share with her teachers with recommendations for support strategies. This has made a world of difference for our little girl at school and at home. Mother of a Twice Exceptional 3rd Grader.
Assessment at Lee Pesky Learning Center is tailored to meet the individual’s needs. Depending on the individual, assessment can range from a brief screening to a comprehensive evaluation that takes several hours to complete. Through assessment, we identify learning strengths and needs as well as testing academic skill levels. We also look at how feelings and behavior affect learning.
Evaluations begin with a face-to-face interview with parents and (as appropriate) the student. Testing is then scheduled, typically for one full day. Tests can include IQ and achievement in reading, writing, and math (
list of tests available at LPLC). In addition, tests of memory, attention, language, and motor skills are used as needed. Parents, teachers, and students may be asked to complete questionnaires to provide information about behavior and emotions.
During the evaluation, we try to learn as much as we can about the individual. At feedback and the follow-up session, we make recommendations and design interventions based on the strengths and the needs of that individual.
Assessment results may be used to:
• Help the student and family better understand how the individual learns.
• Plan an intervention program at the Center.
• Help the school better understand the student’s needs and provide documentation.
• Help plan workplace or school accommodations.
• Help a student transition to middle school, high school, college, or the workplace.
• Give information to other professionals, such as doctors or counselors.
What do I tell my son/daughter about testing?
Parents often wonder how to talk to children about the evaluation process. We recommend that you tell them that LPLC works with students of all ages to help things go better in school. You may also want to tell your child that we believe that everyone learns differently, because all people have some things they are good at and other things that are harder for them. An evaluation is one way to find out about strengths and how each person learns best. We then help them use those strengths to make the things that are harder go better. |
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Will you "label" my child?
Parents often have concerns about potential negative effects of testing and diagnosing learning problems. Sometimes they say, "We don't want her to think there's anything wrong with her" or, "We don't want him to be labeled." Most children who are struggling in school already feel that something is wrong. They might even label themselves as "stupid" or "bad" because reading or paying attention is difficult for them. The process of identifying specific strengths and needs - and accurately labeling them if appropriate - can be done in a positive manner. "Labels" are tools for communication and accessing services. By emphasizing strengths as part of the evaluation process, you and your child will not only have a better understanding of what is "wrong," but also what is "right," and - more importantly - how to build skills that will lead to academic and life success.
How To Get Started
List of tests available at LPLC