Assess to Support.
As an educational psychologist, I have expertise in administering and interpreting various psychometric instruments and other assessment measures. Assessment generally involves obtaining information from multiple sources and using various methods to develop a holistic and comprehensive picture of an individual's psychological, social, and academic functioning. The information obtained may be used to determine appropriate intervention and support services required; apply for accommodations or concessions at school; inform decisions on school placement or career planning; and/or make a diagnosis.
Psycho-educational Assessment
This comprehensive assessment uses various quantitative and qualitative measures to determine an individual’s cognitive, scholastic, social, emotional, and psychomotor functioning. It typically involves a variety of standardised tests, observations, and interviews to gather information about a person's relative strengths and challenges.
The primary purposes of such an assessment include:
Identifying Barriers to Learning: Determining if a student has a specific learning disorder or other intrinsic/extrinsic educational barriers.
Understanding Cognitive Abilities: Assessing intelligence and cognitive processing skills.
Evaluating Academic Skills: Measuring proficiency in areas like reading, writing, and mathematics.
Informing Educational Planning: Providing recommendations for interventions, accommodations, and support services to enhance learning.
Assessments to be used for application for concessions / accommodations
School concessions and accommodations refer to adjustments made to support students with diverse needs, ensuring they have equal access to education.
Concessions are often adjustments to standard practices or policies, like allowing extra time on tests or providing a quiet space for exams.
Accommodations are specific modifications that help students engage with the curriculum, such as using assistive technology, offering different formats for assignments, or providing note-taking assistance.
Both aim to create an inclusive environment where all students can succeed, regardless of their individual challenges.
Psycho-educational assessments play a central role in informing the types of concessions and/or accommodations that a learner may qualify for. Schools often require a detailed report from an Educational Psychologist to make these concessions and/or accommodations possible.
Please note: I am able to provide reports for government schools, as well as schools following the IEB or Cambridge curriculum.
Subject choice & career assessments
Career assessment is a process by which one evaluates an individual's cognitive functioning, interests, skills, values, and personality traits to help guide career decision-making. The results of these assessments provide insights that can guide individuals in exploring career options, setting goals, and making informed decisions about their professional futures.
Career assessment is used in conjunction with career counselling to create a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s career potential This interactive process helps individuals understand their career options and make informed decisions about their professional paths.
As I follow a constructivist career counseling approach, emphasis is placed on active participation in shaping one’s career path through personal experiences, beliefs, and values. I view career development as a process of constructing meaning from life experiences rather than merely choosing from predetermined options.
I aim to empower individuals to take ownership of their career decisions and fosters a deeper understanding of their personal and professional identities
School-readiness assessments
School readiness assessments aim to provide insight into the readiness of a child to progress from Grade R to Grade 1. A child’s preparedness for this transition is determined by their ability to cope with the academic, social, and emotional demands of school. These assessments typically focus on several key areas:
Cognitive Skills: Evaluate a child's understanding of basic concepts, problem-solving abilities, and readiness for learning.
Language and Communication: Assesses vocabulary, listening skills, and the ability to express thoughts clearly.
Motor Skills: Tests fine and gross motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and the ability to manipulate objects.
Social-Emotional Development: Measures a child's ability to interact with peers, manage emotions, and exhibit self-control.
Self-Help Skills: Assesses independence in tasks like dressing, feeding, and using the bathroom.
The results help educators and parents understand a child's strengths and areas for improvement, guiding targeted interventions to support development and ensure a smooth transition to school. These assessments can also inform curriculum planning and help identify children who may benefit from additional support before starting school.