Specific Learning Disorder Evaluations (School-Age and Adult Students)
Specific Learning Disorders affect a student’s ability to perform a variety of academic tasks, most notably in the areas of Reading (includes Dyslexia), Math (includes Dyscalculia), and Written Expression (includes Dysgraphia). Evaluations for SLD include the following:
- Semi-structured social and developmental history
- Full intellectual assessment battery to identify cognitive processing strengths and weaknesses.
- Academic assessment in all areas of reading, math, and writing.
- Feedback session to review results and recommendations.
- Assessments in Oral Expression and Listening Comprehension can be conducted at parent request for an additional fee.
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Evaluations
Students of all ages with ADHD struggle to perform a variety of academic and work-related tasks. Physicians are frequently referring their patients for ADHD evaluations prior to prescribing medication. Our evaluations include the following components:
- Semi-structured social and developmental history
- Cognitive assessment measures looking at overall intellectual functioning as well as Short-Term/Working Memory, which is often impacted by ADHD-related symptoms
- Direct measures of attention and impulsivity
- Behavior rating scales looking at specific ADHD-related symptoms, as well symptoms of other disorders that affect attention.
- Academic achievement, depending on areas of concern
- Feedback session to review results and recommendations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluations (COMING SOON!)
The percentage of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is rising. As such, ASD evaluations can be difficult to obtain in a timely manner. Precision Educational Assessments will soon be available to complete all the assessments necessary to determine if you child is “on the Spectrum.” These evaluations include the following components:
- Semi-structured social and developmental history
- Behavior rating scales looking at specific ASD symptoms, as well as symptoms of other disorders that share common characteristics
- Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition (ADOS-2), which is considered the "gold standard" of ASD observation measures. It's developed by researchers in ASD and continues to be studied and refined.
- Other assessments may include measures of cognitive ability and academic achievement depending on the parents’ concerns.
Gifted and Talented Evaluations
Currently, Precision Educational Assessments, LLC can provide students an additional opportunity to qualify for Gifted and Talented identification in Dimensions A or B. Our Gifted and Talented evaluations include the following measures:
- Nationally normed cognitive assessment measures of verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal skills, as well as a Composite of all three skill areas.
- Nationally normed academic achievement measures of reading and math skills.
See below for more information about Gifted and Talented identification requirements in South Carolina.
Gifted and Talented Identification Requirements
In South Carolina, students are first identified for Gifted and Talented services in the 2nd grade based on their performance on group-administered cognitive and achievement tests completed in the Fall. Other assessments may be administered depending on local school district policies and procedures. To be identified as Gifted and Talented, students must meet eligibility requirements in two of the three dimensions outlined in State Board Regulation 43-220.
Dimension A (Reasoning Abilities): This dimension requires students to demonstrate high cognitive skills (93rd percentile or above) in one or more of the following areas: verbal, quantitative/mathematical, nonverbal, and/or a composite of the three, on a nationally normed or statewide assessment.
Dimension B (High Achievement in Reading and/or Mathematical Areas): This dimension requires students to demonstrate high academic achievement skills in reading and/or math (94th Percentile or above) on a nationally normed or statewide assessment.
Dimension C (Intellectual/Academic Performance): This dimension requires students to demonstrate “a high degree of interest in and commitment to academic and/or intellectual pursuits or demonstrate intellectual chart characteristics such as curiosity/inquiry, reflection, persistence/tenacity in the face of challenge and creative thinking.” This dimension is generally met based on a student’s grade point average in grades 6-12 (3.75 or higher).
More information about Gifted and Talented identification in South Carolina can be found here.
Parent Consultation Services
Navigating the public school system can be challenging at times. Many students have learning difficulties, and parents frequently feel ill-equipped to advocate for their child’s needs. In addition, parents may not fully understand their rights as they apply to students with disabilities. With more than 20 years of experience in the public school setting, Brandon is available to help parents become more knowledgeable by providing the following Parent Consultation Services:
- Review of parent provided records, including school-based Psycho-Educational Evaluation reports, Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents, Prior Written Notices, and Section 504 Evaluations and Accommodation Plans
- Parent coaching on the special education and Section 504 process
Service Availability
*Services are NOT available to school-age students residing within or attending school within the Kershaw County School District
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