The process of learning, absorbing information, and applying new skills looks different for every student. When there are concerns regarding a potential learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia), giftedness, or other developmental disorder, a psychoeducational assessment with an experienced psychologist is the best place to start. Mind Grove Psychology offers evaluations that take into account each child or teen's strengths. 

What is a Psychoeducational Evaluation?

A psychoeducational evaluation is an assessment that uses different tests to evaluate how a student learns, processes information, and functions at school. Psychoeducational evaluations are conducted by a licensed psychologist. 

The testing entails self-report screeners, checklists that you or the student’s teachers fill out, achievement testing (i.e., measuring knowledge learned from school), and intelligence testing. At Mind Grove Psychology, we stay informed about all the best testing practices and use age-appropriate evidence-based testing materials. Each client is unique, and we tailor testing to meet your child's needs.

Why Does My Child Need an Evaluation?

A psychoeducational evaluation is recommended when a child or adolescent is experiencing academic difficulties or when there are questions about how they learn best.

Parents or teachers may notice that a student is struggling with reading, writing, math, or keeping up with classroom demands despite appropriate instruction and effort. In other cases, a child may appear bright but perform inconsistently, require excessive support to complete schoolwork, or become frustrated with academic tasks.

A psychoeducational evaluation focuses specifically on learning and academic skills. It assesses areas such as reading, written expression, mathematics, and underlying cognitive processes that support learning. The goal is to determine whether a student meets criteria for a learning disorder and to clarify what types of school-based supports may be helpful.

These evaluations are often used to:

• Determine eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan

• Guide academic interventions and instructional planning

• Support applications for testing accommodations (e.g., extended time)

• Clarify giftedness or twice-exceptional (2e) profiles

If concerns extend beyond academics (e.g., diagnostically complex presentations, memory, social development, or emotional functioning), a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may be more appropriate. I am happy to discuss which type of evaluation best fits your child’s needs.

Ultimately, a psychoeducational evaluation is not simply about identifying weaknesses. It is about understanding how your child learns, highlighting strengths, and providing clear, individualized recommendations to support long-term academic growth.