Psycho-educational testing involves a one-on-one, comprehensive individualized assessment at our clinic. This type of evaluation is recommended where there are questions about the source of a child's problem and the most appropriate means of intervention. Depending on the individual concerns and needs of the client, our psychologists administer tests of intelligence, achievement, cognitive processing, and/or social and emotional development. Psycho-educational testing is appropriate for students starting age five through high school. These tests can be used to diagnose:
Thorough and accurate assessment is crucial to the identification and understanding of the kinds of difficulties children encounter as they develop. We conduct this process with respect and consideration for the individual, and aim to reach a clear picture of each individual's areas of strength and weakness.
The steps:
- Parental and teacher questionnaire
- Interview
- Testing
- Scoring
- Report
- Feedback
- Meeting with the school – optional with added fee
Parental and teacher questionnaire
A detailed questionnaire about the child’s general development and educational progress is filled out by parents before the assessment. This is important to gain a clear picture of any previous behavioral, emotional or cognitive issues or any family history which may be relevant and which could shed light on current difficulties.
Parents are also asked to pass on a short questionnaire for one of the child’s teachers to fill in, to gain their perspective on the child in his/her school environment.
Interview
The assessment itself generally begins with an interview with the parents of the child. At this time a thorough developmental history is obtained. During this meeting the psychologist aims at developing a picture of the child through the eyes of his parents.
Testing
The testing requires about three hours with the child. Often this is conducted in one long morning session, with an occasional second shorter meeting the following week. The psycho-educational assessment evaluates the following:
- General intelligence
- Memory
- Language processing
- Visual-perceptual skills
- Level of academic (didactic) achievement
- Visual-auditory learning
- Attention and concentration
- Emotional elements
Scoring
Next the psychologist aims at arriving at a complete and integrative picture. This is done by scoring all of the standardized testing that was conducted and weighing these results together with all the other information gathered.
The Report
A comprehensive report is written up which is sent to parents, usually within two weeks. Recommendations aim to be as “user-friendly” as possible.
The psychological report serves several key functions. Firstly it enables the parent and school personnel to refer back to the findings in order to monitor the development of the child. Secondly, the report may be presented to the child's teacher in the coming years Thirdly, the psycho-education report has legal validity and can avail your child of resources and leniencies throughout his schooling
Feedback
After the parents have had a chance to look over the report, they are encouraged to meet the psychologist again to discuss any queries. The psychologist delivers detailed and integrated descriptions of the findings and their implications for functioning. Together, an intervention plan is developed, typically incorporating both home and school interventions.
Meeting with the school- optional (extra fee)
If the parents and psychologist feel it necessary, a meeting is then scheduled in the school including the psychologist and the parents together with the school staff. The results of the evaluations are then shared and emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of an intervention plan.
For more information on psycho-didactic evaluations contact our educational psychologist, Caroline HaCohen - Caroline@mercazrakefet.org or call Mercaz Rakefet on 02-992-0947.
