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What is Formal Assessment?

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Summary

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A formal assessment is like a learning check-up. It’s a special test conducted by a professional to figure out a child’s strengths and challenges. By understanding their abilities, we can provide tailored support for effective learning.

Frequently Asked Question

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Who can request a formal assessment?

Any concerned individual, such as parents, teachers, or other professionals, can request a formal assessment. This request is typically driven by observed difficulties in a child’s learning or behavior.

Will a formal assessment label my child?

A formal assessment is not about labeling your child, but about understanding their unique learning style. The aim is to provide them with the best learning environment possible.

Can a formal assessment diagnose a learning disability?

Yes, a formal assessment can help diagnose learning disabilities. However, the primary purpose is to identify a child’s strengths and areas of challenge to develop a suitable learning plan.

Scientific Definition

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A formal assessment is a structured process that gathers detailed information about a child’s development and learning. It involves professionals conducting evaluations in a controlled environment and using standardized tests to compare the child’s performance with their peers. These assessments offer valuable insights into the child’s strengths and areas where they may need support. They are especially important in identifying individual learning profiles and creating customized educational strategies for children with special needs.

Real World Example of Formal Assessment

Meet Susie, a lively and imaginative 7-year-old girl. She loves stories and art but struggles with numbers and has difficulty keeping up with her classmates in math. Here’s how formal assessment came into play for Susie:

  1. Request: Susie’s parents and teacher noticed her struggle with math. They decided a formal assessment might help understand her learning needs better.
  2. Planning: A team of professionals, including a school psychologist, selected suitable standardized tests. These would help them evaluate Susie’s math skills and other related areas.
  3. Execution: Over a few days, Susie participated in these tests. Some involved answering questions on a computer, while others included one-on-one sessions with the psychologist.
  4. Evaluation: After completing the testing, the professionals carefully studied Susie’s performance. They noticed she had difficulty understanding mathematical symbols and operations but had excellent visual memory and creative skills.
  5. Feedback: Susie’s parents and teacher received a detailed report of her formal assessment. It suggested strategies like using visual aids and incorporating art into math lessons to help her grasp mathematical concepts better.

This story of Susie illustrates how formal assessment helps identify a child’s strengths and challenges. It’s a tool that gives us invaluable insights, guiding us to modify teaching strategies that align with a child’s unique learning style. In Susie’s case, it showed us the way to turn her math struggle into a fun, creative learning experience.

How Does Formal Assessment Work?

Understanding how a formal assessment works is key to navigating your child’s educational journey. Here’s how it unfolds:

  1. Request: It starts when a parent, teacher, or other professional feels a child may benefit from a closer look at their learning and development. A request is made for a formal assessment.
  2. Planning: Next, professionals plan the assessment. They decide which tests to use based on the child’s needs.
  3. Execution: The child then takes the tests. This is usually done at school or a special testing center.
  4. Evaluation: Afterward, professionals score the tests and study the results. They try to understand the child’s unique learning style.
  5. Feedback: Finally, parents and teachers receive a report. It explains the test results and suggests ways to help the child.

Remember that formal assessment is a tool to support your child’s learning journey. It’s not about labeling your child or defining their potential. Instead, it’s about understanding their unique learning style. It pairs perfectly with tools like Goally, a tablet designed to boost life and language skills in a fun, engaging ways. It complements the tailored educational strategies that emerge from a well-conducted assessment.

 

This post was originally published on May 22, 2023. It was updated on July 10, 2023.