Testing for School Needs

Giftedness Testing

Giftedness testing helps to identify individuals with exceptional intellectual and academic abilities. Learn more

Academic Testing

Academic testing may be helpful if you or your child is struggling in one or more academic areas in school. This type of evaluation may also benefit adults to clarify learning and processing skills that are relevant to a work environment. Learn More

Giftedness Testing

A child is considered gifted when they exhibit an ability that is significantly above average for their age. Giftedness can be identified in almost any domain, including creativity, intellectual or problem-solving abilities, and academic skills, and some children are gifted in more than one area. Specific cutoffs often vary by program but a child would typically need to score in the top 3-5% on any given domain to be considered gifted in that ability.

Giftedness testing is a systematic assessment process designed to identify individuals with exceptional intellectual and academic abilities. Testing includes cognitive assessments, creativity tests, and evaluations of academic achievement. The goal is to recognize and nurture the unique strengths of gifted individuals, enabling them to access specialized educational programs that cater to their advanced learning needs.

Traditional academic settings may be insufficient for gifted students to excel. Many gifted students feel “bored” or are not challenged in their work. Additionally, giftedness is often associated with emotional and sensory sensitivity and difficulties with executive functioning that can make it even harder to perform in a traditional academic setting. Giftedness testing is a crucial step in ensuring that these individuals receive appropriate educational support, allowing them to reach their full potential and excel in their areas of giftedness.

Why do giftedness testing?

We work with children across all grade levels from kindergarten through high school as well as adults. Giftedness testing may be helpful if you feel as though your child is highly advanced in one or more areas of intellectual or academic ability, including:

  • Verbal skills, such as vocabulary or ability to solve word problems

  • Visual problem-solving, such as puzzles or ability to build or put things together

  • Math, reading, and writing abilities

  • Creative thinking and ability to generate ideas

Many children who are gifted perform exceptionally well in only one or two areas, and they may be average or even below average in their performance in other areas. This can make it difficult to identify some children who are gifted, especially when their strengths don’t shine in a traditional classroom setting. For example, children with exceptional verbal or math skills are likely to stand out as potentially being gifted, but a child with exceptional visual-spatial or divergent problem-solving skills may not stand out the same way.

Giftedness can also be associated with some features that may actually make traditional classroom settings more difficult for the child, such as perfectionism, emotional intensity, or difficulties with attention or organization. Some gifted children also meet criteria for a specific learning disorder (commonly referred to as ‘twice exceptional’ students). These associated features can make it harder to identify a child as being gifted because teachers (and sometimes even parents!) may notice the challenges more and overlook the exceptional abilities that the child has. Please call or email if you are interested in learning more or setting up an evaluation.

Academic Testing

Psychoeducational testing is a comprehensive assessment process aimed at evaluating an individual's strengths and weaknesses in various academic domains. Our assessment includes standardized tests, observations, questionnaires, interviews, and a review of academic records. Information is gathered from the individual, parents or caregivers, and teachers to put together a comprehensive picture of the client’s functioning in an academic environment.

The results of learning abilities testing provide valuable insights into how individuals process information, learn new concepts, and tackle academic tasks. This information is instrumental in tailoring effective educational strategies, interventions, and accommodations to support individuals in optimizing their learning potential and overcoming any obstacles they may face in their academic journey. A comprehensive evaluation can be essential in advocating and collaborating with schools to ensure the right supports are put in place.

Why complete academic testing?

We work with adults and children at all grade levels, from kindergarten through college and beyond. Academic testing may be helpful if you or your child is struggling in one or more academic areas in school. This may include:

  • Reading skills, such as sounding out words accurately, reading passages quickly, and remembering and understanding passages after reading them.

  • Writing skills, such as spelling, difficulties with handwriting or writing speed, writing clear sentences, organizing thoughts while writing, or constructing paragraphs and essays.

  • Math skills, such as performing calculations quickly and accurately, understanding math concepts, or solving word problems.

  • Language skills, such as expressing ideas verbally, finding words, and understanding directions and information from others.

  • Learning and Memory skills, such as remembering information when it is seen or heard, or recalling information when multiple things are presented at once.

Testing would be helpful if you have concerns about dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. Additionally, testing may be needed if you think you or your child would benefit from academic accommodations, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan accommodations, additional instructional supports, extended time, or pull-out services.

Adults may also benefit from psychoeducational testing even after completing school. Testing may help to clarify learning and processing skills that are relevant to a work environment. Testing may also then help to connect you with workplace accommodations that suit your learning and needs to allow you to thrive professionally. Please call or email if you are interested in learning more or setting up an evaluation.

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