GROWN UPS
Quality Time

Growing Together as a Family

Judith Lawrenson, M. Ed.

The children are back in school and by now you have had some feedback as to how things are progressing: perhaps some really great grades, happy smiles, or a new friend or two? Or, perhaps you have had that dreaded phone call from your child’s teacher. "Mrs. Whoever, we think your child needs to be tested."

Oh, no! What next? Think of the five famous newspaper questions: who, what, when, where, and why. Your first step is the most obvious. Simply ask the natural questions. Who is "we" and why do you think testing is indicated? Does the classroom teacher think your child should be tested? Is it the Resource Specialist? Is there an evaluation team at your school that has made that determination?

Next you should ask very specifically, not generally, why that is the case. If the professional or team of professionals is competent, they should be able to document their reasons with factual and concrete data for their recommendation. Be sure you ask for those reasons in written form with dates and times of observed episodes that point to needed testing.

There are at least ten reasons that I believe testing should be recommended for a student. They range from testing for placement in a special program to looking for reasons for behavior problems. Be sure that you know why.

Now you know who, and you know why. Your next question should be what. What tests are going to be used? There are any number of testing instruments that are valid and backed by research and testing companies. They test specifically and generally. The tests given should match the reason that you have been given for the necessity of testing in the first place. If your child is behind in math, for example, they should not be given the Woodcock Johnson which is a leveled reading test.

A very important component of the testing process is also the when and where. Never consent to your child being tested after school, during a lunch period, or at any other time when they are not able to do their very best. Children are tired after school. Being tested in a confined time period is very stressful also. Imagine yourself being led into an unfamiliar setting and told you have an hour figure out what is going on and that the outcome may determine your whole future job placement. The testing process should be in at least three sessions, in familiar surroundings and performed by someone the child trusts. An unskilled tester can make a result fluctuate by as much as 30%. That is the difference between 80% and 50%. Wow!

Your "5 W" questions should be answered at a parent teacher conference. You should be called and kept in the picture throughout the process and you should have another evaluation and conference with recommendations for a go forward plan at the conclusion of the testing process.