Educational Evaluation
Ages 5 months of Kindergarten to College (Some exceptions for adults)
Intake, 1 to 2 testing sessions, Feedback, and Report with diagnosis and recommendations
This assessment looks at possible specific learning disabilities, cognitive development, and executive functioning. An Educational Evaluation includes an assessment to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, along with an assessment for learning concerns in one or more areas. These areas of assessment are not usually covered by medical insurance. It is an excellent evaluation to understand a student’s strengths and vulnerabilities in the learning process.
Educational assessments are often recommended by educators or physicians to help learners who are struggling to achieve academic goals. In addition to providing these students and their parents with information about their academic strengths and weaknesses, an educational assessment results in documentation that provides significant support to ensure students receive the right academic accommodations and resources to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about educational assessments and how they can benefit students of all ages.
Who Should Receive Educational Assessments?
In most cases, the Oceanside Evaluations team will recommend educational assessments for kindergarten-aged children up to college students as a resource to support the need for academic resources. However, we do make some exceptions for adults who need assessment or re-assessment of learning differences for their careers, to go back to school, or to receive resources when testing for licenses, certifications, and credentials. Educational assessments are designed to help diagnose specific learning disorders, including:
Dyslexia – difficulty with reading and communication
Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing
Dyscalculia – difficulty with mathematics
What Happens During an Educational Assessment?
Educational assessments utilize a battery of tests to diagnose learning disability. The basic process includes:
Intake session – during this initial session, the psychologist will discuss the reasons the student is seeking an evaluation. That may include reviewing academic records and requesting observations from parents and educators. They will discuss the student’s mental, emotional, and physical health history. Gaining an understanding of the concerns presented will allow the psychologist to develop an individualized assessment battery for the testing session(s).
Testing session – during this session, the psychologist will administer a battery of tests customized for the individual to gain a deeper understanding of the student’s intelligence and aptitude as well as diagnose or rule out specific learning disorders. It may also include the psychologist taking time to observe the student and ask them questions about their academic and personal experiences.
Feedback session – after your psychologist carefully reviews the intake information and testing results, you’ll meet to discuss their findings. They’ll explain their findings, answer your questions, and discuss any recommendations they have for ongoing support. We consider feedback part of the assessment process, not the end of the process.
Final report – you’ll receive a detailed report outlining their findings, recommendations, and any diagnosis, usually within 15 business days of feedback. This is presented as a PDF posted to the client’s messaging portal. The report may be downloaded and shared as it would be beneficial to the student to allow them to get the support needed to be academically successful.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re looking for educational support and resources for your child, an educational assessment at Oceanside Evaluations may be the best place to begin. These assessments help you and your loved one fully understand their strengths and areas where they may struggle academically. This information can make a huge difference in ensuring students get the support they need to be successful in the classroom or out. To get started working with our team at Oceanside Evaluations, you can email us at office@oceansideevals.com or call 757-771-0269 to get in touch.
