Evaluation / LD Testing
How is a learning disability identified? What do the test scores mean? For individuals with learning disabilities, assessment becomes a major part of their academic experience. Articles within this section cover issues such as state assessments and standards of learning, high-stakes testing such as graduation tests, and important information for parents regarding evaluations for special education.
There are 32 articles in this section.
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Having Your Child Tested for Learning Disabilities Outside of School
Children who struggle with reading often need extra help. This help usually comes from the school, but some parents choose to look outside of the school for professionals who can assess, diagnose, tutor, or provide other education services. The following article provides information on how to find the right person for your child.
A Way to Help Students Before They Fail
More schools are using a process called Response to Intervention (RTI) to see if a child might have a learning disability. Response to Intervention provides specially designed instruction for children who have scored low on general tests. The students are tested — sometimes as often as every week — to measure progress. Those who improve after the instructional intervention go back to their normal classroom activities. Those who do not improve receive additional testing to confirm the presence of a disability.
Tests and Measurements for the Parent, Teacher, Advocate, and Attorney
Learn to develop the evidence that you need to support your belief that your child is not receiving the right help in school. You need to know the facts about your child as described in tests and evaluations. Peter and Pamela Wright, from Wrightslaw, tell you how to interpret and chart your child's test scores, describe your child's progress in graphs, and successfully communicate with the educators who are making decisions about your child.
Evaluation: What Does it Mean for Your Child
This PACER Center fact sheet informs parents about evaluation, a process to help determine whether a child has a disability and what the child's educational needs might be. The article discusses the reasons why parents might choose to evaluate their child, types of tests available, factors that should be considered when selecting tests, and questions parents should ask when an evaluation is proposed.
What Do You Do If You Suspect That Your Child Has A Learning Disability?
Parents: Learn how to obtain a diagnosis for your child. This article walks you through the process of determining whether your child has a learning disability. Study different types of evaluations that clarify your child's learning difficulties, what that means for your child, and what your next step should be if an LD is found.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can look like ADHD. This article encourages a comprehensive assessment of children who act inattentive and hyperactive in school.
Are Learning Disabilities The Only Problem? You Should Know About Other Related Disorders
About half of people with learning disabilities also have other related disorders. Learn about ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and other difficulties. This article, written by Larry B. Silver, a psychiatrist, tells parents about other related disorders, how they can impact your child, and how you can get a diagnosis.
Screening, Diagnosing and Progress Monitoring for Fluency
Early and frequent screening can go a long way in preventing reading difficulties. This article includes fluency norms for grades 1-8 and details how to find and fix problems to keep kids on track for reading success. It also includes an example of how to compare fluency scores with other reading skills to design individualized interventions.
How Can You Tell When Your Child Has Learning Problems?
Guidelines for Documentation of a Learning Disability in Adolescents and Adults
Understanding Auditory Processing Disorders in Children
This article, from the American Speech and Hearing Association, distinguishes auditory processing disorder from other disorders. Symptoms and treatment are described. An explanation is provided of the role of the multidisciplinary team and the role of the audiologist, which is the only profession that can legitimately diagnose auditory processing disorders.
Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School and Home
What to Expect From An Evaluation
Parents, does your child need to be evaluated for a learning disability? If so, read how to find the best professional, prepare for evaluation, and get the most information from the experience.
NAEP Board Worries States Excluding Too Many From Tests
Who Can Diagnose LD and/or ADHD
Many professionals are involved in the diagnosis of LD. They include psychologists, educational specialists, and other professionals who work in specialized fields such as speech and language. This article has a table that demonstrates who can diagnose LD and/or ADHD.
The Special Education Process: An Overview for Parents
