A Guide to Psychological Testing

by Tarah Doyle, M.A./CAGS School Psychologist

Psychological evaluations can be a helpful component in obtaining information about an individual's learning style, behavior, or mental health. A psychological evaluation may consist of a variety of different procedures ranging from standardized tests of cognitive functioning to projective tests of social emotional functioning. The procedures administered as part of a comprehensive evaluation should reflect the referral question(s) or concern(s). The tests and/or procedures may require the individual to answer questions, to solve puzzles or problems, or to tell stories. In addition to the measures listed above, rating scales may also be used to gain information from the individual, his or her parents, and/or teachers on their perspective of the current problem(s)/concern(s). Results from psychological evaluations help the evaluator develop individualized recommendations to foster improvements in the area(s) of concern. These recommendations help individuals, parents, and/or educators make informed decisions and adjustments in order to maximize the individual's learning potential.

In addition to understanding what psychological evaluations are and how they can be used to aide an individual's learning, it is also important to know one's rights as they undergo these evaluations. The links listed below further define the different aspects of psychological evaluations, as well as serve as general resources to this process.

• Psychological Evaluations: What Every Parent Should Know. By Andrea Canter, PhD, NCSP, Minneapolis Public Schools
• Psychological Problems: A Parents' Guide
• PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights)