Why Evaluate?

Why would a parent or teacher request that a child be evaluated?

1. Struggling academically or not performing at the same level as others in their class.  We have found that children struggling to read is one of the major academic reasons children are refered for evaluation.

2. Behavioral difficulties at home or at school.  Behavioral issues may indicate difficulties or stress in school.  An evaluation may help you understand how a child's behavior and learning are related.

3. Attentional issues.  If these issues were raised, start learning about ADD/ADHD; the Hallowell books are a good place to start (i.e. Driven to Distraction, see our 'Book Picks' page for a description and other recommend books from our members).

4. Drop in performance or depression.   A child may be avoiding work that is too difficult due to a learning disability.  Is your child's depression interfering with academic performance?

5. Memory difficulties.  It is important to determine whether it is short term memory or long term.  Can your child remember discrete units of information, such as digits, but not more complex information?  Can your child remember the names of things?  Are language difficulties related to memory difficulties?

6. Grade retention is suggested.  An evaluation is important to better understand why your child has not acquired the necessary skills to be promoted to the next grade.  Understand the student's strengths and weakness, how they learn, and whether a change in teaching method may improve their progress.

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Have questions about the special education process? Federation For Children With Special Needs Call Center

For information about the different types of evaluations that can be done by school systems or independently, visit our "Types of evaluations"


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