Psychological Testing Explained by Experts

Psychological testing conducted by a school psychologist is tailored to the individual question that needs to be answered. It involves a range of assessments designed to evaluate a student's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. These tests are used to identify issues such as learning disabilities in reading, math, or written expression, intellectual abilities, emotional well-being, and social skills, providing valuable insights into how a student is functioning across various areas of life.

Cognitive assessments, such as IQ tests, measure intellectual functioning and problem-solving abilities, while achievement tests assess academic skills in areas like reading, writing, and math, often helping to identify specific learning disabilities. Behavioral and emotional assessments involve standardized questionnaires or checklists to evaluate a student's emotional state, looking for signs of anxiety, depression, or attention problems that may be affecting their ability to learn or interact with others. Social skills and adaptive behavior assessments help determine how well a student interacts with peers, follows rules, and adapts to different environments, which is particularly useful for identifying challenges in children with autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, or other social difficulties. Memory and attention testing evaluates working memory, focus, and the ability to stay on task, which are important for understanding learning challenges or attention-related issues like ADHD.

School psychologists may also conduct assessments to explore executive functioning skills, such as organization, planning, and self-regulation. The results of these tests allow school psychologists to collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop tailored interventions, accommodations, or support plans to help the student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. These evaluations can ultimately guide decisions about special education services, behavior interventions, and other necessary supports to ensure the student’s overall well-being and success in school.