Meeting with the school Psychologist

I met with the school Psychologist today regarding Joseph’s evaluation and testing. It was just a summary of her findings based on the behavioral and academic testing they conducted. The next step is an IEP meeting probably within a week or so.

I really liked what she observed about it at one point, “He appeared motivated to do well on all tasks.” And, “In fact, on one particular writing task, joseph continued writing almost for the entire 10 minutes, despite obvious hand fatigue.” Makes me laugh. He’s genuinely willing to work… if in a one-on-one situation.

Some of the detail explained to me included
*CIX (Composite intelligence Index aka IQ) was 111. The average is 90-109, so he’s of above average intelligence.
*His Reading Comprehension score was 89 (90-100 is average). This score is high from my perspective.
*Overall Reading composite is 95 (90-100 being “average”)
*Overall Math composite was 106 (again 90-100 being average). Definately a strong math person.
*Written Language was 96.
*Visual/Perceptual — being able to take down (copy) what is on a board — scored 114 (90-100 range again)
*Behavioral/Emotional. This is the hard one. These are subjective ratings, but based on the information completed, a number score is assessed. On some, 70 or above is considered an “issue” on others, 30 and below is consider an “issue” point.
Each of these were categorized as issues: Depression, Atypicality in internalizing behavior, Adaptability, Social skills and Adaptive skills.

I will note though that some of these measures were done in early September and the Psychologist said that Ms. Bowers (Joseph’s teacher) came to her to let her know that some of the scores probably should change because she’s seen marked improvement in his behavior toward the end of the quarter. 🙂

There is a long list of recommendations too. I did ask what her thoughts were on this as far as recommendations. She said it was really up to the IEP group/team that we will meet with. However, a measure of determining a child has needs — for Joseph it’s that he’s not meeting his potential — is by a 15 point difference in IQ and the Academic Assessment scores. Joseph’s were 16 and 15 points different respectively in the reading/writting area. Math is a no-brainer. So, it does look like some for of IEP will be recommended. The question is “what?”

She did say that it could be behavioral, could be academic. Could be a combination. Up to the IEP. She also said that it might just be growth that he needs (as his therapist said this time last year). Might be 1/2 an hour of 1-1 time at school, plus tutoring — all at the federal government’s expense. The testing and decisions allow the school to say “pay up!” so Joseph can get more help.

Man, I gotta say I love Jan Hargrove. She is the principal at TCE. She’s the one that stopped after that first incident and said “let’s look at this” and “what I think we should do” not “Send your kid to holly hill, he’s a disaster waiting to happen” like the people at OCE last year!!! Grrr!!! We’re getting somewhere this time around! Woohoo!