Are the tests something that my school teacher would understand and accept as true results?

Absolutely; the results are interpreted into “plain English” for parents and teachers. These assessments are widely accepted and will meet any requirements for obtaining eligibility into special education, 504, or even gifted and talented programs.

How are these tests different than what other tutoring companies require when enrolling in their programs?

Most other tutoring companies require some type of “assessment” before enrolling in their program. What those assessments do is give the company an idea of where to place the student in their program. The results of those assessments will not usually translate to what is happening in school or be relevant to anyone outside that tutoring company.

What areas of information will I learn about my child with the results of these tests?

Diagnostic testing covers several different areas of a student's individual learning style. We start with doing a cognitive (IQ) assessment. What this does is give us some insight into how the student learns. We look at verbal abilities, problem solving abilities, long and short-term memory skills, and processing skills. We discover what type of learner the student is; how they best process information; and if there are any areas of weakness that require specific support. Once we complete the cognitive testing, we move on to look at the student’s academic strengths. We look at all areas of reading including sight vocabulary, reading comprehension, oral reading, silent reading, reading fluency, and rate. We also look at math computation and problem solving skills. Writing skills are covered as well and include spelling, mechanics, organization, and composition. We are able to see how the child performs compared to peers their same age and grade across the country.

What are Achievement and IQ tests?

These tests are nationally standardized tests which means they compare a student's performance against other students from across the country of the same age or grade. These instruments are individually administered, so they are usually more reliable then group administered tests that are given by the majority of the school districts and private schools. Some of the more common tests used are the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – 4, Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – II, Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement – III.

Why would this information be important for our family to know?

Understanding how your child learns best can be one of the most important tools you have in assisting them to be successful in school. With the information received through professional IQ, achievement, and other diagnostic tests, your child's educational plan can be tailored to meet their personal learning style. It also gives you and your child insight into areas that need improvement.