Learning Evaluations
Stern Center evaluations are opportunities to explore how one learns. Although usually done when a child or adult is experiencing some kind of learning difficulty, evaluations can help all of us understand more about how we learn.
Stern Center evaluations assess intelligence, academic achievement, language and/or emotional, attentional, and social abilities. Learning evaluations are essential in planning an effective instructional program, monitoring progress, and diagnosing differences in learning.
Why do we conduct learning evaluations?
To find out how a student learns in order to create individualized instruction plans, to determine whether special services are needed because of a specific learning difference and/or disability, and to monitor progress given particular instructional interventions.
What do we assess?
A psychoeducational evaluation includes measures of cognitive, linguistic, academic, and social/behavorial/attentional skills. Some students may need extended testing that includes psychological and/or neuropsychological evaluation.
When should an evaluation be done?
All too often, evaluations are not performed until failure occurs, at school or on the job. It is important to find out how a student learns before then so parents and professionals can plan effective interventions and stregthen self-esteem.
Who should conduct an evaluation?
There are many different kinds of specialists who perform evaluations, including psychologists, special educators, neuropsychologists and speech/language pathologists. Someone who relates well to the student and can communicate effectively with parents and teachers is a must. It is also important for one individual to be responsible for integrating all of the evaluative findings so that diagnoses and recommendations are cohesive and coordinated.
Who should receive an evaluation?
Anyone who wants to better understand how they learn. The many people - both children and adults - who come to the Stern Center have differences that range from mild learning challenges to complex learning or social disabilities. This range includes:
- Learning style differences, including gifted learning styles
- Specific Learning Disabilities (including dyslexia, language-learning disabilities, and non-verbal learning disabilities)
- Attentional difficulties (including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- Social or adaptive behavioral problems, including autism specific differentiated diagnosis
- Neurological handicapping conditions
Stern Center diagnostic evaluations are a vehicle to learning. If you are concerned about a learning or attentional difficulty, Stern Center staff can evaluate the problem and make recommendations for instructional needs, coping strategies, or further coaching. Our staff members work as partners with students, parents, teachers, and medical professionals to help students reach their full potential.
Questions?
Contact us at 802-878-2332 to speak with our Evaluations Intake Scheduler. You may also use our online form to contact the evaluation department.
Meet our Evaluation Staff.
Click here for our evaluation brochure.