Important information for parents about learning assessments

It can be difficult to determine whether a comprehensive learning assessment may be appropriate for your child. Below are a few things to consider before embarking on the process:

• Learning difficulties can hinder your child's capacity to access the school curriculum, participate in class, and maintain their motivation for learning.  This may affect their enjoyment of school, as well as their self-esteem and well-being. Research suggests that primary school students with learning difficulties often experience an “achievement gap” that persists well into adolescence. Therefore, early identification and intervention is critical for offsetting long-term academic challenges, as well as associated emotional and behavioural difficulties. Educational Assessments may be administered from as early as age 4 years to screen for the presence of a learning difficulty or Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).

• It is important to consult an appropriately qualified practitioner. Psychologists with a background in Educational and Developmental Psychology are trained to assess for learning difficulties in children, adolescents and adults. They have advanced knowledge of human development, cognitive psychology and developmental neuroscience, and are experienced in adapting assessments for those with individual differences.

• Students need to feel comfortable, relaxed and focused in order to perform well. Children and adolescents work best in an assessment environment free of noise and distractions, and are often more awake and alert mid-morning. It can also be helpful to administer assessments over several sessions, and establish rapport with some friendly questions and games before beginning testing.

• A through feedback session is an essential part of the assessment process. It is important for parents and children to have a good understanding of the assessment results and a clear plan of action going forward. It can also be helpful for your psychologist to share results with teachers and relevant health professionals and set a few achievable goals for the term ahead.

• After completing the assessment, some students may benefit from private sessions with a psychologist to work on skills such as goal setting, organisation and planning. Sessions should be tailored to each child’s specific needs and abilities.

• Intervention strategies should be reviewed every 4-6 months, and adjusted as needed. It is important to celebrate gains over this period and maintain open communication between parents, teachers, and your health care team.

• It is generally helpful to obtain a new assessment every 2-3 years to determine the stability of test scores and ensure that recommendations and intervention strategies are up-to-date.

If you have any more questions about the assessment process, please feel free to contact me here.