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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Parenting Pearls
Thoughts on Educational Testing By Sara Rayvych, MSEd
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
DECEMBER 2, 2021
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B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
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recently spoke to a few parents who expressed misgivings about getting their child tested to check for educational disabilities and determine if their child qualified for therapeutic services. This was not the only time I’ve seen these concerns, as this is something many parents hesitate with. As this is clearly on the minds of parents, I thought it would be an important topic to address. It may not be a glamorous one, but it is a necessary one when it comes to parenting. I would like to mention in advance that I have an inherent bias due to my professional training. All the information in this article is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but there is always the possibility that something will differ in your child’s particular school or district or that policies will change. No article can accurately cover every scenario, and the best answer will depend on your personal situation. Others may have different opinions than me, but what follows are some of my thoughts on this issue. Parents, along with their child’s teacher or others the parents trust, are the most appropriate and informed people to decide what best meets their child’s needs.
When to Think about Testing Usually, parents will consider testing if they see their child is not succeeding to the degree the child should be, the child isn’t able to do the work at all, or the child is having to work too hard to learn. For most parents, they will probably hear the suggestion from their child’s teacher but it may be the parent that first expresses concerns. Parents know their children best and naturally may be the first ones to spot a potential issue. Parents see their child at home and know whether their child flies through their math homework or cries through every example. Parents will also be the ones to recognize if the child takes far too long to finish the evening assignments. (As a related side point, parents should speak to the appropriate teacher if homework takes too long or is too frustrating. It could mean the child is having trouble or that the material isn’t being taught sufficiently in the classroom. Respectfully communicating with the teacher can give valuable feedback.) Teachers often have years of experience and see many children your
child’s age and developmental level. An experienced teacher may be the first to recognize an issue is brewing because they can mentally compare your child’s strengths and weaknesses against the other children his/her age and quickly see when a child is struggling. Even in a classroom full of kids, a teacher can see who is having difficulties. Please remember that when a child struggles in school, it isn’t a symptom of failure or a judgment on you or your child. Many children have challenges for any number of reasons, and an experienced teacher recognizes this without judgement. I personally find it irritating when people use the phrase “bad baby.” “Oh, is she a good or bad baby?” they ask. Babies can’t be “bad” because they don’t have the capability. They cry because that’s how they express themselves. Some babies have more needs than others and may present more challenges, but that’s not a function of being “good” or “bad.” Young children, too, aren’t “bad” when they struggle in school. Young children generally struggle or act up because of influences beyond their control. They lack the ability to think about their actions first and then follow through
with the appropriate self-control. We need to educate them to behave in a more acceptable fashion but that’s chinuch; they’re not expected to suddenly be able to control themselves without intervention.
The Benefits There are a number of benefits to testing. Having an accurate diagnosis can greatly assist your child’s educational team in best meeting his/her needs. As much as someone might assume they know the problem, quality testing can yield surprising results and the issue may not be what you assumed. Without accurate information, you cannot effectively solve the problem. You need testing to qualify for therapeutic services such as speech therapy, resource room, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Testing results may also mean your child qualifies for a number of different options such as assistive technology or accommodations for testing. Children who qualify for services receive them free through the school district. Children may also be able to get some services through their health insurance plan. Therapy services can help address
