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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“What does a cognitive (intelligence) test involve?”
Cognitive (intelligence) tests assess a students ability to effectively processing different types of information by asking them complete a number of different tasks. For example, they may be required to answer general knowledge questions, copy an image using blocks, or remember a sequence of numbers. These tasks start out easy for the student and gradually get more difficult.
“What is involved in completing an academic achievement test?”
An academic achievement test is very similar to a cognitive test in that the student is required to complete a number of different tasks that start off easy and get progressively harder. The main difference between cognitive and achievement tests is that achievement tests assess reading, writing and mathematics.
“How is social-emotional-behavioural functioning assessed?”
Social-emotional-behavioural functioning can be assessed by parents/caregivers and teachers completing a questionnaire that asks about different behaviours that may or may not be displayed by the child, or adolescent. Adolescents can also complete a questionnaire themselves which asks about the different types of thought and feelings they may be having. A social-emotional-behavioural assessment can screen for common problems which can interfere with learning. This can include internalising disorders such as Anxiety and Depression, externalising disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder and other behavioural disorders.
“What will be included in the report?”
The report will include relevant background information, any important observations made during the assessment sessions, the results of any tests and questionnaires completed, a discussion of what the results mean along with recommendations for home and school. Results of the assessments are presented using graphs when possible which makes it easier to understand how the individual performed compared to others of the same age.
“Will you speak to my child’s school/teacher?”
The hourly assessment session price includes telephone calls to your child’s school to speak with relevant staff members at both the beginning and end of the assessment process. However, should a school visit be required either to observe your child or to discuss the results of the assessment and recommendations in-person with relevant school staff, an additional cost of $190 per hour is required.
“What kinds of cognitive and achievement tests are used?”
A number of different test kits on hand, with the particular test being used dependent on the individual being assessed as well as the type of assessment being conducted.
Wechsler intelligence scale for children – 5th edition (WISC-V)
Wechsler preschool and primary scale of intelligence – 4rd edition (WPPSI- IV)
Wechsler individual achievement test – 3rd edition (WIAT-III)
These tests are the most commonly used tests of cognitive ability and academic achievement around the world. These tests are particularly suitable when a standard cognitive and achievement assessment is considered appropriate.
The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities – 4th edition (WJ COG IV) and the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing - Second Edition (CTOPP-2) are also available. These tests measure a wider range of abilities than that measured by the Wechsler test kits, thus they are often used when an extended cognitive and educational assessment is considered appropriate.
“What are some of the questions that an educational assessment can answer?”
Why is my child having difficulty learning?
What is the best way my child learns?
What are my child’s cognitive and academic strengths?
What can I and my child’s school do to support their learning?
Is my child gifted?
Does my child have a learning disability?
Is my child experiencing any social-emotional-behavioural difficulties?
What are the social-emotional-behavioural strengths my child possesses?
Would my child benefit from counselling?
Please feel free to call or complete an enquiry form with specific questions you might have and we can let you know whether an educational assessment would be able to provide an answer.