ASK THE TUTOR

Question: "Dear Tutor, The teachers at my daughter's school suspect that she could have a learning disability, and have asked for my consent to perform testing. What is a "full evaluation," and how do I explain what this testing is to my daughter?"

Answer: "Dear Parent,The purpose of a multi-disciplinary evaluation is to find your child’s strengths and weaknesses across a variety of disciplines.  A full evaluation completed by the school must be completed within 45 school days.  Your child will be seen by several professionals – all who will complete testing with your child in their areas of expertise.

The school psychologist will often do an I.Q. test, evaluate your child’s memory and processing speed, and ask you and your child’s teacher to complete some checklists.  These checklists will provide information about your child’s overall behavior that will be important to consider during the evaluation process. 

The special education teacher will complete achievement testing, which looks at your child’s performance in reading, writing and mathematics.  S/he may also do a classroom observation in order to see first hand how your child is adapting to the classroom setting.

Sometimes the evaluation will also include additional testing by the Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational and Physical therapists if the team agrees that more information in these areas is needed.

As far as what to tell your daughter about the process…  I recommend simply telling her that she will be working with some adults at the school on some special tests.  (Yes, use the word “test” – she’ll know it’s one anyway.)  Tell her that this is an opportunity for her to show everyone what she knows.  You can also explain that she’ll be doing this so that we (you and her teachers) can find out how she learns, so that we can teach her in the best possible way for her learning style. 

Remember that you, as her parent, are an important part of the PPT (Planning and Placement Team).  Your participation in this process is crucial – be sure to ask the school to clarify any questions that you might have during the course of the evaluation.  Best of luck!"

This month’s guest tutor is My Tutor and Me Co-Director, Shannon Converse.

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