The Psycho-Educational Evaluation Process
A cognitive disorder or an emotional issue could impede a student's ability to excel in a classroom setting. Occasionally, a student may be referred to undergo a psycho-educational evaluation. This assessment will uncover any obstacles that have been hindering a child's performance.
An Evaluator's Role
An evaluator will conduct an interview with a parent or guardian. This interview may involve learning about a child's background, as well as their medical and educational history. If a young child is going to be assessed, an evaluator will acquire most of the assessment material from a parent or guardian. If a child is older, an evaluator may speak to a parent or guardian and to the child.
An evaluator will need to have a clear idea of how a student interacts with others. They may observe a student while they are in a classroom setting. They will also spend some one-on-one time with a student. A series of activities may be presented to a child. These activities will reveal what type of cognitive skills a child possesses. The activities may also uncover any social hindrances that may be troubling a child.
For instance, if a foreign exchange student is having difficulty fitting in, it could be due to their limited knowledge of the English language. An evaluator may determine that a student will need some extra help communicating with their teacher and their peers. This could involve the use of an interpreter or the assigning of some enhanced English classes.
Modified Lessons And Incentives
When a child can clearly understand educational materials, they may be more willing to complete their homework or participate in classroom discussions. An evaluator may be able to pinpoint if a learning disability has affected a student's performance. An evaluator may recommend that a child is given a modified classroom schedule. They may advise a teacher to provide simpler assignments that a student will be able to grasp.
An evaluation will provide insight into a child's strengths. These strengths are what an evaluator will focus on when recommending modifications in how a student is taught. An evaluator may meet with a student throughout the school year. During each meeting, they may provide a child with encouragement. They will ask how a student is doing and may offer a child incentives for the hard work that they completed. Incentives can help keep a student focused on a particular goal that an evaluator has outlined for them.
For more information, contact a psycho-educational evaluations service near you.