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Making the Grade
What Parents Should Know About Psychological Testing By Teri Brown
The following tests are just a few that parents may be offered for a child.
Intelligence/Cognitive Functioning tests:
Provides an estimate of a child's potential for learning; measures the cumulative influence of a multiplicity of experiences, both formal and informal; is often compared to achievement test results to determine if child is functioning at potential. Educational/Achievement tests:
Designed to measure effects of a specific program of instruction or training; emphasis is on what the child can do at the time in areas such as math, language; can be administered individually or in a group. Behaviorally Based measures:
Based on observable behavior and various factors that control/impact the behavior. Assesses ongoing behavior and can include direct observational techniques, interviews, self-reports, behavior checklists and rating scales. Speech and Language testing:
Assesses a child's ability to enunciate/speak clearly, express him/herself and understand language. May include other communication skills such as eye contact (done by a speech/language specialist/pathologist). Occupational testing:
Evaluation of a child's fine and gross motor skills, visual-spatial and visual-motor skills along with sensory processing (usually done by an occupational therapist, although psychologists can measure to some extent). Neuropsychological testing:
To measure a child's cognitive skills and brain functioning. Psychological evaluation:
May include intelligence and achievement testing but also evaluates a child's emotional, behavioral and social functioning. Developmental evaluation:
Testing with preschool children to assess level of development usually regarding motor, language, cognitive and social skills. Whee to Begin