Why a Summer Assessment?

The last school bell has, or is about to ring for many children. Memories of long hours spent with homework, or difficult conferences with the teacher will fade into the background as the world will be filled with summer camp and pool parties.

This is a time in which many families take a break from education and learning. This transition can be valuable in that it allows children to start fresh with new teacher, new hopes, and new expectations in the fall! When the new school year does start, however, many families wait until several weeks or even a semester to determine what educational supports and strategies would benefit their child for the new school year.

The first few weeks, then, sets the tone for the entire school year. Students, who started school with their new outfits or uniforms, fresh school supplies, and squeaky new shoes discover within those first few weeks that the educational challenges they had the year before have followed them into the new year. Even if the challenges are addressed after the first six weeks report card, the optimism that started out the year was not fulfilled through successful learning.

What can be done? Before the new teacher introductions are made, before the new pencil box is purchased, work to set up a game plan. One solid way to do this is through a Cognitive Analysis or a psycho-educational evaluation that can determine a child’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. Even children who are described as bright and capable may benefit from having a learning profile done that will give parents and educators understanding of how they learn. Parents of students who continue to struggle may need a fresh eye on how their child learns, while receiving new and up-to-date information.

*all individualized assessments that Lisa Brackin provides is accompanied by a clear and concise written report, recommendations for intervention methods, and ample time to develop strategies for future educational success. 

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