COGNITIVE AND ACHIEVEMENT ASSESSMENTS

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A cognitive assessment (or intelligence test) is used to determine an individual’s general level of ability, and help identify strengths and challenges. 

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An achievement assessment is used to measure an individual’s academic skills in reading, written expression and mathematics.

An educational assessment consists of a cognitive assessment and an achievement assessment, and is often used to test for the possible presence of specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia. 

Cognitive assessments require the administration of standardised psychometric tools by an experienced and accredited psychologist. These tools can assess various areas of cognitive ability, for example:

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• Verbal Comprehension: the ability to use a range of vocabulary to understand and express general knowledge and explain concepts

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• Visual Spatial: the ability to evaluate visual details and understand visual spatial relationships

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• Fluid Reasoning: the ability to reason, form concepts, and solve problems that often involve novel information

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• Working Memory: the ability to learn, manipulate and retain information to complete new tasks

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• Processing Speed: the ability to quickly process and make judgements about visual information

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Achievement assessments with children assess various areas of academic skill for example:

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• Reading: the ability to read words, phonemic awareness, reading comprehension and fluency

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• Mathematics: the ability to answer arithmetic equations, solve mathematical problems, and complete maths equations in a given time period.

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• Writing: the ability to spell and use written expression including sentence structure and idea formation.

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• Oral Language: the ability to listen for details, reflect meaning and express oneself.

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• Emotional and behavioural issues can also be assessed to determine their impact on learning

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Benefits of a Cognitive and Educational assessment can include:

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• Diagnose specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia & dyscalculia. 

• Assist parents and teachers to better understand their child's learning needs in the classroom and at home.

• Assist schools to develop more targeted Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs)

• Provide evidence for special provisions in VCE exams.

• Help guide schools decision to provide extra support or extension activities in particular subjects.