If your child is or may be depressed and is also having difficulty with learning, behavior, or emotional control in school, she may be referred to the school psychologist for psychological testing.
What Is In-School Psychological Testing?
In-school psychological evaluations are typically done to determine the cause of a child's problems with learning, behavior or emotional control and to determine if she is eligible for special services, if she needs outside treatment or additional testing.
Why Is My Child Being Tested?
Sometimes the symptoms of depression, like lack of concentration, academic decline, anger, or lack of motivation, can interfere with a child's ability to learn or act appropriately in school. Given this, a child who is depressed and having issues in school may be eligible for special services, where her needs will be better met. An in-school evaluation will determine the best services for your child's specific needs.
Not all children who have or are suspected of having depression will receive psychological testing within a school. It is possible that a child with depressive symptoms might be referred to the school's counselor and referred outside for testing or treatment. Many children with depression, who do not have learning or behavior issues in school, only receive treatment outside of their schools.
Who Will Test My Child?
A school psychologist is a mental health professional who is specially trained to evaluate children within a school.
Preparing Your Child
No preparation is needed. Your child cannot study for a psychological assessment. However, you can encourage her to answer any questions honestly. Assure her that she will not be punished for her answers or the results of the evaluation.
It is important to notify the school psychologist if your child is sick, overtired, overly anxious, has a big test right after the evaluation, etc. Any of these factors could affect the evaluation.
What To Expect
If your child is a minor, an initial consent and planning meeting will take place. The school psychologist will explain the purpose of the testing and what to expect during test day. At this time, questions and concerns will be addressed. You may be interviewed for your observations of your child or asked to complete an assessment on your own.
On testing day your child may be observed in her classroom. The way the child and teacher interact will be closely observed. Your child may also be observed during recess, or in the lunch room to assess her behaviors and social interactions.
Your child may be interviewed by the school psychologist, and asked to complete self-report paper and pencil assessments on her own.
The entire testing process may take several hours in one day or be broken up over a few school days.
Results and Planning
The school psychologist will score and interpret the results for each of the different observations, interviews, and assessments, produce a written report, and make recommendations for your child.
If the evaluation indicates that your child is eligible for special services within the school, preparing and planning will be discussed. Your child may also be referred for outside services, which schools may not provide.
Confidentiality and Concerns
If you have concerns about the evaluation, or subsequent plan, discuss it directly with the school psychologist. Often an explanation can provide clarification and comfort to families.
Confidentiality is often a concern for both parents and children. Other students will not have access to the testing process or results, however some faculty may if your child is eligible for special services.
The report from the evaluation will be a part of your child's school record, but will not be included in transcripts, or letters of recommendation, and will not prevent her from participating in extra-curricular activities, seeking employment or being accepted to colleges.
While any kind of test can cause a child to be anxious, finding the best treatment and placement for your is an important part of her academic success.
Sources:
Gary Groth-Marnat. The Handbook of Psychological Assessments, Fourth Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2003.
Psychological Evaluations: What Every Parent Should Know. National Association of School Psychologists. Accessed: October 29, 2010. http://www.spannj.org/pti/Psychological_evaluations.pdf
