Understanding Psycho-educational Assessments = Understanding Your Student
(1.5 hours, 2.5 hours or full-day workshop available)
Do you work with students who struggle at school? Psychoeducational assessments combine standardized assessments of a child’s intellectual and academic abilities with the dynamic clinical judgment of a trained psychologist to determine the what, how, and why of struggling students. This process measures overall aptitude and academic achievement around core academic skills and any additional factors that may impact a child at school (e.g., attention and concentration, learning disability, mood, anxiety, etc.) and provides strategies to support them.
Whether a diagnosis is made or not, the information can be used to identify what the student needs to reach their potential. This session will take a deep dive into what teachers need to know about the psychoeducational process including:
- The psychological processes that underlie learning: such as language and phonological processing, fine-motor and graphomotor processing, executive functioning, visual-spatial processing, processing speed, working memory, etc.
- The specific academic skills being investigated: including reading, writing, math, language, etc.
- Aspects of social/emotional and behavioural functioning that may be impacting the student: including attention and concentration, depression, anxiety, etc.
- The diagnostic process
- Recommendations, strategies, and accommodations
- Using the psychoeducational assessment report for Individual Education/Program Planning (IPPs, IEPs, etc.)
Bani holds a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts from the esteemed University of Alberta, marking over two decades of dedicated service as an educator. With a richly varied background encompassing teaching across multiple grade levels, international teaching experience, leadership roles, and a steadfast commitment to continuous professional growth, Bani embodies a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape.
Joining Foothills Academy in 2007 after a successful tenure in the United Kingdom, Bani has been instrumental in shaping the educational experience for students with learning disabilities and associated disorders. Through a blend of innovative pedagogy, strategic decision-making, and a focus on nurturing students' strengths and learning potentials, Bani has consistently fostered an environment of quality education and personal empowerment.
Beyond the classroom, Bani remains deeply engaged in mentoring, spearheading school clubs, and actively participating in community initiatives, demonstrating a profound dedication to holistic education and community enrichment.
In the role of Manager, Professional Development & Community Engagement, Bani brings a wealth of experience and a vision for creating a collaborative, inclusive learning ecosystem that empowers students, supports educators, and connects with the wider community.