Psychoeducational evaluations provide children, parents, and schools with important individualized information regarding a child’s cognitive and academic functioning. The information included in a psychoeducational evaluation report is helpful to assist with educational placement decisions and to provide recommendations for the receipt of academic accommodations, if/when appropriate (e.g., extended time for tests/assignments). Knowing a student’s learning style can help parents (and teachers!) work more effectively with the student to maximize their potential.
Psychoeducational evaluations assess cognitive ability, academic skill development, and emotional/behavioral functioning. It consist of an in-depth clinical interview where a child’s complete background history is obtained (e.g. developmental, social, medical, and educational history) and administration of a series of individually chosen intellectual, academic achievement, and psychological assessment measures. A comprehensive report is provided at the conclusion of the testing that provides information on the child’s scores in the following areas:
- Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
- Verbal Reasoning Ability
- Visual Perception Skills
- Problem Solving Ability
- Working Memory/Attention
- Processing Speed Skills
- Reading Skills
- Mathematics Skills
- Written Language Skills
- Emotional Functioning
- Behavioral Functioning
In addition to scores from the above categories, qualitative data is also considered and utilized when providing the diagnostic formulation if/when any learning disabilities or mental health diagnoses are relevant.