A psychoeducational assessment can provide useful information regarding a student’s functioning in the following areas: cognition (general intelligence), achievement (reading, written language, mathematics), processing abilities (memory, speed/fluency), language, fine-motor, attention, social, emotional, and/or behavioural functioning. Understanding a student’s unique profile of strengths and needs can help to identify strategies to improve academic achievement. This awareness can also serve to reduce a student’s level of frustration related to learning, while at the same time increasing their motivation, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive and integrative process that involves the following:
- clinical interview to gather relevant information related to the student’s presenting concern
- administration of standardized assessment instruments
- feedback meeting to explain the assessment findings
- written report that integrates background information, current standardized test results, and clinical impressions. Specific strategies to support learning and enhance achievement will be recommended.
If a diagnosis of disability can be formulated, appropriate educational program accommodations and/or support services based on the functional limitations associated with the disability will also be provided.