Psycho-educational assessment may be helpful to determine how a student learns and what might be getting in the way of their learning. Psychoeducational assessments are conducted by psychologists who have special training related to learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, giftedness, ADHD and other conditions that may affect learning.
Psycho-educational assessment may be most helpful when a student is struggling with school and there is no clear reason as to why they are struggling. A psychoeducational assessment can determine if a student has difficulty processing certain information. Once these learning difficulties have been identified, strategies and supports can be used to help the student learn more effectively.
Generally, psychoeducational assessments involve measuring a student’s intellectual ability and how they process information. This may include processes like working memory, processing speed, and visual spatial abilities among others. The student’s academic skills are also assessed, which typically include reading, writing, and mathematics.
A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment should also include interview information gathered by the student and their family, as well as a review of school records. If possible, getting input from the student’s teacher can be very helpful. Based on all the information gathered, including the student’s individual profile of strengths and challenges, the psychologist makes recommendations on how to support them with their learning.
For students who receive a formal diagnosis of a learning disability or other diagnoses that directly affect learning, they can often receive formal accommodations and supports within the school system. Formal accommodations are also available for post-secondary students who have a diagnosed disability.
In addition to formal supports and accommodations for learning difficulties, psychoeducational assessments can help empower students. Once a student understands why they may be struggling with learning, they can advocate for their learning needs to be more successful. Just like a person who has an eye exam and finds out that they need glasses, a psychoeducational assessment can help find out what the person needs to help them learn more effectively.
If you are interested in having a psychoeducational assessment completed, please contact us:
Compass Psychology – Krista Forand, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist
403-710-3151
