Step 2: Task Analysis, Part B – Comprehensive Evaluation Considerations

Understanding your child’s learning style is an essential first step in creating a tailored educational plan. It tells you how to teach, but it doesn’t tell you what to teach, or pinpoint areas that need improvement in neurological processing, memory, perception, or comprehension. This deeper dive into your child’s unique learning needs forms the second, and most critical, portion of Task Analysis. It can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and approach, you’ll gain the clarity needed to help your child thrive.

Why a Comprehensive Evaluation Is Essential

It’s impossible to accurately assess all the factors affecting your child’s learning through observation alone. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing provides a clear picture of your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, offering critical insights for creating an effective educational plan.

For example:

Dyslexia: True dyslexia stems from deficits in phonemic awareness and requires direct, explicit instruction—not vision therapy, colored overlays, or glasses marketed as “cures.” However, your child might also have related conditions such as scotopic sensitivity or visual processing issues. These may coexist with dyslexia and exacerbate reading difficulties, making it crucial to distinguish between them.
Attention Issues: Your child’s inability to focus might not solely stem from ADHD. It could also be related to working memory deficits, slow processing speed, or comprehension difficulties. Without proper testing, you might misattribute symptoms and choose ineffective interventions.

The takeaway? Without a comprehensive evaluation, you risk applying the wrong solutions, leading to frustration, wasted resources, and a lack of progress.

Preparing for the Task Analysis Process

Gather These Essentials:

A copy of your child’s evaluation report (you’ll be marking it up).
Two highlighters (different colors).
A pen or pencil.
Notebook or loose paper for detailed notes.

Recommended Tools:

Highlighter Set for color-coding your findings.
Binder with Dividers to organize notes and evaluation details.

Three-Pass Analysis Method for Evaluation Reports

Pass 1: Identify Strengths

Using one color of highlighter, mark all areas in the report where your child scored above average, superior, or gifted. These strengths will serve as the foundation for teaching strategies.

Examples of Strength Areas:

Visual Learning: High scores in visual discrimination, picture-based tests, or visual memory.
Auditory Skills: Receptive language, auditory memory, or oral comprehension.
Kinesthetic Abilities: Strong eye-hand coordination or motor skills.

Tip: Look for patterns. If several tests point to strong visual processing, for instance, incorporate visual aids like diagrams and videos into your teaching.

Helpful Products:

Whiteboard and Markers for visual learners.
Storytelling Audio CDs to enhance auditory learning.

Pass 2: Highlight Weaknesses

With a different color, highlight areas where your child scored below average, borderline, or deficient. These weaknesses indicate the neurological processes that need targeted intervention.

Common Deficit Areas:

Working Memory: Struggles to retain and use information.
Processing Speed: Difficulty keeping pace with the flow of new information.
Comprehension: Challenges understanding complex concepts or following directions.

Write these weaknesses in your notebook and look for recurring themes. These will guide your selection of brain-training programs or other interventions.

Suggested Resources:

Brain-Training Games to boost memory and processing skills.
Multisensory Learning Kits for hands-on practice.

Pass 3: Review Grade Equivalent (GE) Scores

Circle every “Grade Equivalent” (GE) score, usually expressed as values like 3.5 (third grade, fifth month). These scores show how your child performs in specific subjects relative to their current grade level.

Steps:

Organize GE scores by subject: math computation, math reasoning, reading decoding, reading comprehension, spelling, and written expression.
Identify areas where your child scores below their current grade level. These are the subjects needing focused, explicit instruction.
Note areas where your child scores above grade level. These are strengths that can be leveraged for enrichment.

Helpful Products:

Math Manipulatives for hands-on problem-solving.
Phonics Games to strengthen reading decoding.

Applying Your Findings

Once you’ve completed the three-pass process, you’ll have a detailed map of your child’s cognitive strengths, weaknesses, and academic standing. Here’s how to use this information:

Leverage Strengths

For instance, if your child is strong in visual processing, consider:

Using color-coded notes and charts.
Incorporating videos and infographics in lessons.

Target Weaknesses

If working memory is a challenge, try:

Repetition-based activities to reinforce retention.
Short, frequent lessons to prevent overload.

Pro Tip: Address cognitive weaknesses alongside academic skills. For example, work on processing speed while practicing math facts.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Feeling Overwhelmed by Evaluation Results

Evaluation reports can feel dense and intimidating. Breaking them into manageable sections using the three-pass method makes them easier to digest.

Finding Effective Programs

Choosing programs tailored to your child’s needs is critical. Focus on evidence-based interventions, and avoid quick fixes or unproven methods.

Highly Recommended Programs:

Fast ForWord for language and reading challenges.
Cogmed Working Memory Training for memory deficits.

Final Thoughts

Dissecting your child’s evaluation report is one of the most important steps in designing an individualized educational plan. By understanding their cognitive profile, you can match teaching methods and interventions to their unique needs, ensuring greater success and less frustration.

Remember, this process takes time, patience, and persistence. You’re laying the foundation for your child to overcome their learning challenges and reach their full potential.

Next Step

In the next part of this series, we’ll explore how to find specific programs and strategies tailored to your child’s diagnosed learning challenges. Stay tuned for actionable steps to further refine your individualized instructional design.

Additional Resources:

By taking these steps, you’re empowering yourself—and your child—for a brighter, more successful future.

Learning Abled Kids®

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