Diagnostic testing identifies how learning differences affect students, evaluates the best ways to approach a student’s learning style, and provides recommendations for effective learning programs and, if necessary, testing accommodations.

 

Students applying to Park Century School are required to submit results of a recent neuropsychologoical evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation and results of the WISC V along with their application materials. Additionally, we will review a student’s IEP, though this is not required for admission. See below for very brief explanations and introductory information about these different evaluations.

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Neuropsychological Evaluation

Considered the most comprehensive type of assessment, neuropscyhological evaluations are completed by neuropsychologists and provide in-depth assessment of skill and ability linked to brain function. Results of this evaluation can both clarify diagnoses of learning disabilities and develop specific recommendations for meeting a child’s learning needs. This evaluation assesses intellectual functioning, attention and executive functioning, reasoning, language, memory and learning, visual-spatial/visual-motor abilities, and emotional and behavioral functioning through a review of medical and other records, interviews with the child, and the administration of tests.

 

Psychoeducational Evaluation

Conducted by licensed clinical psychologists, psychoeducational evaluations analyze the mental processes underlying student performance through an array of academic assessments, behavioral observations, evaluation of environment through interviews, and review of medical history.

 

These evaluations aim to determine whether a child qualifies for special education services and accommodations for a specific learning disability.  Where psychoeducational evaluations can determine if a student qualifies for special educational services, neuropsychological evaluations aim to determine why there is a specific need in this area.

 

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC V)

The WISC V measures a child’s general intellectual ability and is often paired with neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluations as well as other tests to help identify learning disabilities, giftedness, or general strengths and weaknesses. Test components include a Visual Spatial Index, Fluid Reasoning Index, Working Memory Index, Processing Speed Index, and Verbal Comprehension Index.

 

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program is a comprehensive written document developed by a team for a public school student who is eligible for special education. For an extensive and detailed resource about IEPs, visit the “Learning About IEPs” section on the Understood website.