Educational testing measures a student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in various academic areas. These assessments can be standardized or non-standardized, formal or informal, and serve different educational purposes. While public schools usually do their own special education testing, we are often called when a student goes to a private school, when parents want to augment what the schools do, or when a student is going to college. We can also review IEP testing and 504 testing that was done to provide an independent opinion about a child’s needs and provide an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with their findings.
This post goes over educational testing in general and the general psychological testing for children we provide, but feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
Types of Educational Testing 
1. Standardized Educational Testing
- Purpose: Compare student performance across a large group (state, national, or international).
- Examples:
- K-12: SAT, ACT, PSAT, State Exit Exams
- College Admissions: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT
- International: TOEFL, IELTS
- Pros: Objective, comparable results
- Cons: May not account for diverse learning styles or disabilities
2. Aptitude Tests
- Purpose: Measure potential or natural ability in a specific area.
- Examples:
- Cognitive Abilities (CogAT)
- Differential Aptitude (DAT)
- Pros: Identify strengths and career paths
- Cons: Limited in assessing overall academic ability
3. Achievement Tests
- Purpose: Measure what a student has already learned in a subject.
- Examples:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
- State Assessments (e.g., STAAR, Regents Exams)
- Pros: Direct measure of learned content
- Cons: Doesn’t measure future potential
4. Diagnostic Educational Testing
- Purpose: Identify specific strengths, weaknesses, and learning gaps.
- Examples:
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
- Wechsler Individual Achievement (WIAT)
- Pros: Useful for creating personalized learning plans
- Cons: Time-consuming and often costly
5. Formative Educational Testing
- Purpose: Ongoing checks during the learning process.
- Examples:
- Quizzes
- Classroom polls
- Pros: Real-time feedback for improvement
- Cons: Not standardized
6. Summative Educational Testing
- Purpose: Evaluate learning at the end of an instructional unit.
- Examples:
- Final exams
- End-of-term projects
- Pros: Clear evaluation of overall performance
- Cons: High-pressure environments
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may require educational accommodations to ensure assessments accurately reflect their abilities:
- Extended time on special education testing
- Distraction-free environments
- Breaks during special education testing
- Alternative formats (e.g., oral exams, assistive technology)
Specialized Assessments
- For ADHD: Conners Rating Scale, Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
- For Autism: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)
IEP Testing Overview
IEP testing refers to the evaluations conducted to determine if a student qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The goal is to identify students’ unique educational needs and create a personalized plan to support their academic success.
Who Qualifies for an IEP?
A student needs to meet three criteria to qualify for an IEP:
1. Identified Disability
The student must have one (or more) of the 13 disability categories listed under IDEA:
- Specific Learning Disability (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment or Deafness
- Visual Impairment or Blindness
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Other Health Impairment (e.g., ADHD)
- Deaf-Blindness
- Multiple Disabilities
- Developmental Delay (for children under age 9)
2. Impact on Learning
The disability must adversely affect the student’s educational performance and ability to access the general education curriculum.
3. Need for Special Education Services
To meet their educational goals, the student must require specialized instruction or related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy).
What Does IEP Educational Testing Include?
We put together a battery may include the following, depending on what the student has already had, and what we are assessing:
1. Cognitive IEP Testing
- Measures intellectual abilities and problem-solving skills.
- Examples of cognitive IEP testing:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC)
2. Academic Achievement Testing
- Assesses reading, writing, math, and language skills.
- Examples of academic achievement IEP testing:
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV)
- Wechsler Individual Achievement (WIAT-III)
3. Psychosocial Testing and Emotional IEP Assessments
- Evaluates social-emotional well-being, behavior, and self-regulation.
- Examples of behavioral and emotional IEP testing:
- Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3)
- Conners Rating Scale (for ADHD)
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
4. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
- Identifies behaviors that interfere with learning and their triggers.
- Used to create Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
5. Speech and Language Educational Testing
- Assesses language processing, articulation, and communication skills.
- Examples:
- Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF)
- Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation
6. Occupational Therapy IEP Evaluation
- Evaluates fine motor skills, sensory processing, and handwriting.
- Often used for students with sensory integration or motor planning challenges.
7. Adaptive Functioning Educational Testing
- Measures daily living skills and independence.
- Examples:
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
- Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS)
Steps in the IEP Testing Process
- Referral: A teacher, parent, or counselor requests IEP testing.
- Parental Consent: Written consent from parents is required.
- Evaluation: Multiple assessments are administered by the school or us.
- Eligibility Meeting: The school team reviews the results of IEP testing to determine eligibility.
- IEP Development: If eligible, an IEP is created with specific goals and accommodations.
- Annual Review: The plan is reviewed and updated yearly.
Parental Rights in IEP Testing
- If you disagree with the school’s findings, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), which we can perform.
- You have the right to attend all meetings and contribute to the IEP.
- You can request additional IEP testing if needed.
504 Testing Overview
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education by providing accommodations and support in school. Unlike an IEP, which falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a 504 Plan focuses on removing barriers to learning rather than specialized instruction.
1. Purpose of 504 Testing:
- To determine if a student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning, concentrating, communicating, or walking.
- 504 testing identifies appropriate educational accommodations to ensure equal access to education.
2. Who Qualifies for a 504 Plan?
Students with conditions such as:
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (if not requiring specialized instruction)
- Anxiety or Depression
- Diabetes or Epilepsy
- Chronic illnesses (e.g., asthma)
What Does 504 Testing Include?
1. Medical Documentation
- Diagnosis from a qualified professional (e.g., physician, psychologist). This is what we can help with in the 504 testing process.
- Medical or mental health history and records.
2. Classroom Observations
- Teacher reports on behavior, focus, and participation.
- Documentation of classroom performance.
3. Academic Assessments
- Often include standardized or classroom-based assessments. We can also help with this, although public schools usually do this step.
- Identify areas where the student struggles due to their disability.
4. Behavioral Assessments (if applicable)
- Evaluates focus, impulsivity, or social-emotional behavior.
- Examples:
- Conners Rating Scale (for ADHD)
- Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3)
5. Parent and Teacher Input
- Surveys or interviews are used to understand the students’ needs and challenges.
- Discussion of current accommodations and their effectiveness.
504 Plan Accommodations
Once 504 testing is complete, a plan outlines accommodations, which might include:
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Preferential seating (e.g., near the teacher or away from distractions)
- Access to fidget tools or sensory breaks
- Modified homework or workload
- Use of assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text software)
- Permission for breaks or movement during class
504 Plan Educational Testing and Assessment Process
- Referral: Request 504 testing (by parent, teacher, or counselor).
- Parental Consent: Parents must provide written consent for 504 testing or assessment.
- Evaluation: Includes academic, behavioral, and medical reviews and sometimes formal 504 testing.
- Eligibility Determination: The team determines if the disability substantially limits a major life activity.
- Plan Development: Create a written 504 Plan with accommodations.
- Annual Review: The plan is reviewed and updated yearly, with additional 504 testing or assessments as necessary.
Differences Between IEP and 504 Plan
| Feature | IEP | 504 Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Law | IDEA | Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act) |
| Focus | Specialized instruction + accommodations | Accommodations only |
| Eligibility | Specific disability categories | Broader definition of disability |
| Plan Type | Individualized Education Program (IEP) | 504 Accommodation Plan |
| Enforcement | Special Education Department | General Education Department |
Parental Rights in Educational Testing
- You have the right to request special education testing if you suspect a disability.
- You can review all documents special education testing and other assessment results.
- If needed, you can request a review or changes to the 504 Plan.
Educational Testing Case Example
Student Name: Emily
Age: 9
Grade: 4th
Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD
Reason for Referral: Emily has been struggling academically and socially at school. She has difficulty focusing in class, following instructions, and interacting with peers. Teachers and parents are concerned about her progress and behavior in the classroom, so special education testing is requested.
Step 1: Referral for Special Education Testing
Emily’s teacher, concerned about her academic struggles and social difficulties, recommends that the school conduct formal special education testing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Parents agree and give consent for testing.
Step 2: Special Education Testing and Assessments
We administer psychoeducational assessment while the school team administers achievement assessments and behavioral observations to assess Emily’s cognitive, academic, behavioral, and social development.
Cognitive Special Education Testing:
- Test Used: We use the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)
- Results:
- Verbal Comprehension: Average; Emily has no trouble with verbal reasoning and understanding complex language.
- Perceptual Reasoning: High Average; she performs well with visual puzzles and non-verbal tasks.
- Working Memory: Below average; difficulty with holding and manipulating information in her mind.
- Processing Speed: Low; Emily struggles to complete tasks quickly, particularly those that involve writing or copying information.
Academic Achievement Special Education Testing:
- The school administers the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
- Results:
- Reading: Below grade level, particularly in decoding words and understanding reading comprehension.
- Math: Below grade level, particularly in word problems and mathematical reasoning.
- Writing: She struggles with handwriting and organizing her thoughts into written form.
Behavioral and Emotional Assessment:
- We give the Conners Rating Scale to teachers and parents.
- Results:
- Inattention and Hyperactivity: Emily’s teachers report significant difficulty staying focused during lessons, frequently losing track of tasks, and needing frequent redirection.
- Impulsivity: Emily struggles to wait her turn in group activities and often interrupts others.
- Social Challenges: Emily’s parents report difficulty initiating and maintaining friendships. She has trouble reading social cues and understanding others’ emotions, which is consistent with her autism diagnosis.
Social and Adaptive Skills Assessment:
- The school gives the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
- Results:
- Communication Skills: Emily’s social communication skills are delayed, particularly in initiating conversations and understanding figurative language.
- Socialization: She has difficulty engaging in reciprocal social interactions with peers and often prefers solitary activities.
- Daily Living Skills: She is capable of performing age-appropriate daily living tasks (e.g., dressing and eating independently), though she may need reminders for routines.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA):
- Observation and Results:
- According to teachers, Emily displays frustration and avoidance behaviors when faced with tasks she finds difficult, particularly in math and reading. She also engages in repetitive behaviors, such as rocking and humming, when overstimulated.
Step 3: Plan Development
Based on the results of the evaluations, the IEP team meets to discuss Emily’s strengths, challenges, and necessary accommodations. They decide on specific goals and services to help Emily succeed in school.
IEP Goals:
- Academic Goals:
- Improve reading comprehension to meet grade-level expectations by the end of the school year.
- Enhance math problem-solving skills, focusing on word problems and mathematical reasoning.
- Behavioral Goals:
- Reduce the frequency of impulsive behaviors, emphasizing waiting her turn and staying focused during lessons.
- Increase participation in group activities, with support in reading social cues.
- Social Goals:
- Develop strategies for initiating and maintaining conversations with peers, with guidance from a social skills group.
- Increase appropriate peer interactions during recess and class activities, with support from a behavior therapist.
Accommodations and Modifications:
- Extended Time on assignments and tests to accommodate slower processing speed.
- Preferential Seating near the teacher to reduce distractions.
- Breaks as needed to prevent sensory overload and to manage frustration.
- Use of a Speech Language Pathologist to work on communication skills.
- Social Skills Training to help Emily interact more appropriately with peers.
Services Provided:
- Special Education Services: Emily will receive 1:1 support in reading and math with a special education teacher.
- Speech Therapy: Twice a week to address communication and social skills.
- Traditional Therapy: Weekly sessions to focus on impulse control and emotional regulation.
Step 4: Implementation and Monitoring
The IEP is implemented at the beginning of the next semester. Emily’s teachers monitor her progress regularly, and the IEP is reviewed every year to ensure it remains tailored to her evolving needs.
Special Education Testing Outcome (6 Months Later):
After six months of implementation:
- Emily has progressed in reading and math but still requires additional support.
- She can better manage her impulsivity, particularly when prompted to use coping strategies.
- With support from the social skills group, Emily’s social interactions have improved. She is beginning to initiate conversations with peers in structured settings.
This example demonstrates how special education testing can help comprehensively understand a student’s abilities and challenges. It highlights the importance of tailored assessments and individualized planning to meet students’ educational needs.
Summary and Our Work
We provide IEP and 504 testing, or we can review completed assessments. We can also provide special education testing for students at private schools, homeschooled, or going to college. Finally, we can provide an Independent Educational Evaluation if requested.
If you have any questions about the educational testing we provide or about special education testing in general, please contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
