Individual Testing

Catalog description

One of the primary roles of the school psychologist is to conduct psycho-educational assessments for children who are experiencing unusual difficulties in school. Generally, the purpose of these assessments is twofold: (1) to understand the dynamics underlying school failure for a specific student such that effective interventions can be implemented, and (2) to determine if a student meets diagnostic criteria for a disability as defined by the Individual?s with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Though psycho-educational assessments are comprehensive in nature, cognitive ability is often a primary functional domain to be examined. This course will provide students with knowledge of the techniques necessary to conduct clinical assessments of cognitive as well as academic functioning in children, adolescents, and adults. The class will include lectures, class discussions, practice administrations, and written assignments designed to train students in the appropriate administration and interpretation of each instrument covered.