Diagnostic evaluations are available to parents and schools, and provide information about a student’s learning in general, or answer specific questions about a student’s abilities and skills. The diagnostic evaluation includes assessments of the student’s aptitude, achievement, and learning strengths and needs.
Diagnostic Evaluations occur in 3 phases:
1. Consultation with parents and/or teachers about strengths and concerns.
- Review of existing student records (parents/guardians need to provide)
- Discussion of student’s strengths and concerns
- Determination of assessments for the evaluation
2. Assessment sessions
- 3 hours generally needed, conducted over 2-3 meetings
- Includes both formal (standardized) assessments and informal assessments to evaluate the student’s knowledge, abilities, and skills.
3. Analysis of findings and development of Instructional Plan
- Diagnostic Report provided to parents includes assessment results, interpretations, and specific instructional recommendations. Report is appropriate for use in schools or other student services settings.
- EnCourage Education Intervention Specialists use the Instructional Plan to structure both what is taught and how it will be taught to maximize learning.