+ Who can get an assessment?
People of all ages are able to be assessed. Jaaco works with primary and secondary school students as well as students from University or other tertiary education providers and with adults in the workforce.
+ What is a good age for child to be assessed?
Assessments can be administered with children from the age of 6 years. However results are more meaningful if the test is administered after the student has completed at least eighteen months of schooling. As part of the assessment it is important to look at the progress the student has made in the normal classroom. A diagnostic criteria for a specific learning disability is that the symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months, despite the provision of targeted interventions.
+ Do I need a Registered Educational Psychologist?
If you are wanting information about a learning or ‘work’ related problem you do not need to see a Registered Educational Psychologist. Judith’s qualifications and work experience, allows her to conduct the relevant testing and interpret the results from both a psychological and educational perspective. Jaaco reports provide practical, learning or work based recommendations.
If the concern is related to a significant behavioural concern, trauma or when counselling may be indicated you may need to see a Registered Educational Psychologist or other medical professional.
+ Is school based testing enough?
School based testing is important, but it is not sufficient to: • provide the information needed to identify why an individual is failing to achieve in school • provide the evidence needed to diagnose a Specific Learning Disability
School based testing is able to identify
• a student’s working level
• where a student fits compared to others in their age group
• strategies a student is using
However learning and academic performance requires more than knowledge and skill in applying academic strategies. Educational research has identified a clear link between academic performance and deficits in cognitive processing and oral language.
A psychoeducational assessment identifies the more ‘hidden’ strengths and weaknesses that are responsible for unexpected learning difficulties.
+ How will an assessment help employees and their employers?
An assessment will help provide an understanding of the employee’s difficulties. It will identify ways to minimise the impact of learning difficulties by recommending strategies to enable the employee to work more efficiently and accurately. The assessment report will also suggest ways the work environment can be modified to support the employee, their work colleagues and employer.
+ Do parents stay during an assessment?
Parents do not stay during the assessment. If the assessment is being held at the Jaaco office, parents are welcome to wait in the reception area. If assessments are being held at the students school, a meeting can be held with the parents prior to the first session. The assessment will not start until the student is feeling happy and relaxed.
+ How long is an assessment and can my child do it after school?
The assessment is comprehensive and usually takes four to five hours, but this depends on a number of factors including the clients processing speed and the tests administered. The assessment is administered over two sessions, these can be on the same or different days. Afterschool assessments are not recommended due to the length of the assessment and that a child would be tired after a full day at school.
+ How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are made through the website. However you may like to email or call to discuss an assessment before you make a booking.
• Go to the calendar and select two 2-hour appointment slots – these may be over one or two separate days. Appointments can be a couple of weeks apart
• Complete the assessment forms and return these via email. There are two forms for school aged students and one for adults
• Child or adult history form - background to help plan the assessment
• Teacher form - outlining school concerns and current interventions (school age students only)
Judith will contact you prior to the first appointment and send a service agreement
+ Do I need a referral from school, Doctor or other agency?
No - You can contact Jaaco directly.
+ Can an assessment by Jaaco be used for special assessment conditions?
Yes, a Jaaco assessment can be used to support applications NZQA, Cambridge and Tertiary (including University) special assessment conditions. Reports need to be no older than four years for assessment conditions.
+ What is the cost of an assessment?
Assessments are personalised to meet a client's need with the average cost being $1100. Email Judith for the schedule of fees. Jaaco will send an invoice following the assessment appointment. Payment is required before reports are released.
+ Can the assessment take place at school?
Yes the assessment can be administered at a student’s school, tertiary institution or workplace - providing there is appropriate accommodation. A travel fee may apply.
+ What do I say to my child?
Talk with your child about how they are feeling about school. If the child recognises that they are finding learning difficult tell them that Judith is going to work with them on some puzzles and other tasks to try and work out better ways for their teacher to help him. If they don’t recognise that they have a learning problem just mention that Judith is going to work with them on some puzzles and other tasks so they can show her what they have learnt. Keep the talk very brief and low key. Most children enjoy the process.
+ What should I do if my child is anxious?
Talk with Judith and she will be able to give you some suggestions.
+ What tests does Jaaco use?
Jaaco is able to administer a range of assessment tools depending on the clients need. The main assessment tool is the Woodcock Johnson IV, which is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, oral language and academic abilities. When needed, Jaaco also uses KeyMath3, YARC, PATOSS and other tests of academic achievement.
+ What is the difference between the WJ IV and the WISC?
Basically nothing - it really depends on the assessor which test they prefer to use. Both tests are based on the same theory of cognition. Both tests can provide information on strengths and weaknesses and be used to make a SLD diagnosis or to support an application for assessment conditions. They are both good.