Assessment
One of the five core functions of Educational Psychologists (EPs) in Scotland in assessment. Aberdeen City Council (ACC) Educational Psychology Service (EPS) follows the guiding principles agreed in Scotland from the Scottish Division of Educational Psychologists and the Association of Principal Educational Psychologists on their Assessment Position Paper (2014), which can be accessed here.
Assessment is an ongoing and collaborative process linked to a cycle of planning, intervention and review. EP assessment contributes to in-school or nursery planning processes including, but not limited to, Single Plan’s, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and Multi-Agency Child’s Plan’s.
Assessment is a key element embedded in the process of Consultation. If additional information is felt to be needed then EPs in Aberdeen use observation across the education setting, facilitation through processes such as the Cognitive Abilities Profile (CAP), or Person Centred Planning. In some cases more direct assessment with the pupil is required, EPs might use Dynamic Assessment Tools, and some specific standardised assessment tools to explore specific areas such as memory, communication or play. The focus of ACC EP assessment is about what makes a difference to the pupil, what supports help them, and what could be put in place to make things better. If it is appropriate to do so, ACC EPs feed back directly with the child in a positive way including highlighting their strengths and agreeing targets and aims with them which their school will then support delivery of.
