Educational Evaluations

EDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS IN LAFAYETTE, LA
Offering academic support and promoting success in the classroom

What is Educational Testing?

Educational testing is used to assess the presence and severity of learning disorders and intellectual impairments. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is important for enhancing the quality of education and supporting student development.

If a student is struggling in the classroom, an evaluation will pin-point those problem areas and identify the causes. These results then enable the school to apply targeted interventions to help the student achieve academic success. 

Specific learning disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by chronic impairment in reading, written expression, and/or math. 

There are three main types of educational disorders:

• Dyslexia – Specific learning disorder with impairment in reading
• Dysgraphia – Specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression
• Dyscalculia – Specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics

Educational Evaluations in Lafayette and Acadiana

When a student is struggling in class, it could be caused by a multitude of things. Your initial sessions with a mental health provider are key in determining whether an education assessment is the right move.

Our comprehensive educational evaluations typically include:

• Clinical interviews with the client and caregivers or teachers
• Standardized IQ and Achievement testing
• Cognitive and psychological testing to assess attention, memory, and executive function (if applicable)
• Collateral reports from school or previous providers when available

These assessments help ensure an accurate diagnosis and help us create accommodations that are best suited to your unique needs.

A Student’s Right to Educational Accommodations

If a student meets the criteria for a specific learning disorder, we provide a letter that includes all the recommended accommodations to be made at school for that student to succeed. 

There are laws put into place that every public school must follow for students with learning disorders:

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  A 504 plan is a blueprint for how the school will provide accommodations and remove barriers for a student with disabilities. Students that meet the qualifications of a 504 plan do not need specialized instruction – they need equitable access to public education
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  Provides an individualised education program (IEP) for eligible students that guides their learning. Students that qualify for IEPs are those who require specialized instruction.

Some of the common accommodations for students with learning disabilities include extended test taking time, having a test read aloud, and note-taking accommodations.

While these laws don’t apply to private and charter schools, most schools will still have a policy for supporting students with learning disabilities. 

When to Consider an Educational Evaluation

Parents are typically the first to notice when a student’s learning, behavior, or development may be a cause for concern. If a parent feels that their student is unable to keep up with their peers or gets easily frustrated with school work, an educational evaluation may be helpful.

Schools may request an educational evaluation as well, based on a teacher’s recommendation. If the teacher observes learning behaviors that are negatively impacting the student’s academic performance, the school may reach out to the parent about evaluating the student for a learning disability.