Pyscho educational testing

[5knights3maidens]

My dd has been having some health issues. We were at the neurologist today. Because we have been concerned about her not remembering what she's reading, or something like short term memory loss, The dr. wants her to get a Pyscho educational test from the school district. Has anyone done this for their child? Please tell me what will be done so I'm not nervous.

Thanks so much.

[Laurie4b]

They will do an IQ test (probably the WISC-IV) and an individual achievement test like the Woodcock Johnson. They will add in other tests as well. Then you'll get a report, which you should make sure you understand upside down and inside out before you leave. Make sure you get all the actual scores and descriptors of the scores (ie average, superior, below average). If there are discrencies between scores either between tests, or between subtests in a specific test (such as the WISC-IV), make sure you ask questions and understand those. That info can be SO helpful to you when choosing strategies for educating your child.

[Cindy in the NH Woods]

You may want to check out the book Educational Care: A System for Understanding & Helping Children With Learning Differences (2nd ed.), by Dr. Mel Levine.

 

Also, Educator's Publishing Service has assessment tests you can purchase, and may have samples online. Maybe this will help you to feel more comfortable. :grouphug:

 

Cindy

 

http://www.epsbooks.com/dynamic/catalog/subject.asp?subject=74S

Edited March 27, 2009 by Cindy in the NH Woods

[Chris in VA]

My ds had that kind of testing done when he was in Kindergarten. We got a great deal of insight into all kinds of things--the way he learns, the gaps in his learning, his IQ, whether or not he had any LD's, etc. A good tester will look to see if your child needs more than one session--won't push if your child is tired. You should also make sure you get a couple of copies of the results, and your tester should give you a copy that has more personal info that you may not want to share with others, edited out.

The testing can be invaluable.

[5knights3maidens]

Thank you so much for your responses. This is for my teen dd. She has not been feeling well for a long time. I took her to the ER 2 wks. ago because she seemed to be having a stroke. The hospital and a neurologist have done all sorts of tests and believe it is complex migraines. She is getting a sleep study done but I don't know when yet. We are also wondering if the severity of the headaches are from the "medicine" for PCOS. (There is a call into this dr.) Also, 2 years ago she had a sledding accident resulting in a mild concussion and fractured vertebraes (sp?). The neur. said that the forgetting or short term memory loss could be from that. Dd is having a difficult time remembering Biology, when reading and sometimes talking to people. This is why the dr. is wanting the test.

Last night I found out that our school district isn't very kind to homeschoolers wanting tests like this. The doctor did say that we are entitled to getting this done because we pay the taxes. We are to put the request in writing and sending it to be signed and returned receipt. The dr. said they will ignore us if we don't. UGH!