Psychoeducational Assessment
A psychoeducational assessment evaluates the level of development of a person's cognitive (thinking) abilities, academic skills, and the emotional and behavioural characteristics that may have an impact on learning. Diagnosis of learning related problems may be an outcome of such as assessment. Detailed recommendations to assist the learning process are normally also provided. Dr. Cebulski conducts psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 16 inclusive. All tests used in these assessments are administered by Dr. Cebulski personally.
What is the goal of a psychoeducational assessment?
In some cases, the goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to identify the reason for difficulties in learning, such as why a child might be performing academically below grade expectations. In other cases, a psychoeducational assessment is used to identify suitability for a particular academic program, such as advanced learning or programs for intellectually gifted children. An additional goal of a psychoeducational assessment can be to make a diagnosis, such as learning disability, intellectual delay, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Of course, the ultimate goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to determine the best way to help alleviate a learning problem and to maximize the client's learning potential.
What is the process?
In all psychoeducational assessments conducted by Dr. Cebulski, standardized testing and observation is used to achieve assessment goals, and detailed recommendations are provided to parents and clients. Assessments of children and adolescents for the purpose of identifying learning related problems usually require 7-9 hours of formal psychological testing, interview, and observation, conducted usually over 3 assessment sessions for young children, or 2 longer sessions for older children. For other assessment purposes, such as the identification of giftedness or intellectual delay, the amount of time required for an assessment may be shorter and fewer skills and abilities may be tested. Standardized tests are used to identify thinking abilities and learned skills. A standardized test is one that measures specific abilities and skills and is administered in a highly structured way. Once an assessment is complete, a detailed report is prepared that includes specific recommendations and suggestions. Consultation with the child or adolescent, parents, teachers, and/or the involved health care professionals is provided as requested.