Assessments
Assessing an individual's abilities and needs
It is difficult to give precise details of what type of assessment would be the most appropriate without some details of the difficulties that a child is experiencing. Whilst a full psychometric assessment might seem appropriate, it is important to realise that this looks only at the abilities of the child, it takes no account of other factors, such as the way in which the teacher engages children in learning.
It is important, therefore, when contacting me to be ready to discuss the child's difficulties in an open and honest way. Through this discussion, I shall be able to determine the most appropriate assessment and give an indication of the likely costs.
Assessing Emotional Skills and Needs, and Attainments in Literacy and Numeracy
Assessment will be interactive and not restricted to the identification of cognitive learning. The social and emotional development of the individual is critical, and through consultative working and observations, suitable hypotheses can be discussed. Where appropriate some testing may be used in order to clarify the young person's skills. Support can be implemented to enable youngsters with emotional problems that are impeding their learning.
Assessing Cognitive And Educational Skills and Needs
Traditionally psychometric assessments have been used to assess a child's strengths and weaknesses and to identify the important factors affecting their learning and behaviour.
Alternatively, and in keeping with my experience I use dynamic asssessment strategies. The underlying assumption of dynamic assessment is that all learners are capable of some degree of learning and thus change.
