Welcome to part 2 of our series about assessments. In part 1, we covered psychoeducational assessments and in this segment, we focus on cognitive measures. By analyzing the cognitive skills of a child we can determine how they learn and process information. Below is a sampling of assessments that may be used to help discover a child’s best learning style.
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition
Provides a measure of a child’s overall intellectual functioning through the Full Scale IQ. The FSIQ consists of five subtests that can also be combined into index scores. The test is given one-on-one and can be administered in a session lasting 90 to 120 minutes.
| Standard Scores | Qualitative Descriptions | Percent of Cases |
| 130 and above | Extremely High | 2.2 % |
| 120 – 129 | Very High | 6.7 % |
| 110 – 119 | High Average | 16.1 % |
| 90 – 109 | Average | 50 % |
| 80 – 89 | Low Average | 16.1 % |
| 70 – 79 | Very Low | 6.7 % |
| 69 and below | Extremely Low | 2.2% |
The Verbal Comprehension Index
Measures a child’s ability to perform on tasks such as comparing words and defining vocabulary. Academically, the VCI affects performance in areas such as Reading Comprehension and Written Expression.
How to improve this skill:
Reading with and to your child is a fantastic way to develop many cognitive skills, including verbal comprehension. Select books together and set aside a regular time to read together. Locate unfamiliar words, have your child practice using a dictionary or thesaurus to look up words and find synonyms and antonyms.
The Visual Spatial Index
Measures a child’s ability to understand and manipulate visual information. Math skills such as addition and subtraction rely on the child’s ability to accurately line up the numbers in order to correctly perform the operation. Writing tasks also require visual spatial abilities.
How to improve this skill:
Puzzles and Legos are great tools used to help children improve their visual spatial abilities.
Fluid Reasoning
These skills are the child’s problem solving abilities. Reading Comprehension and Math word problems tap into a child’s Fluid Reasoning skills.
How to improve this skill:
When reading, pause to ask critical thinking questions. “What do you think is going to happen next? What could the character do to solve the problem?” Seek out alternative solutions to problems.
The Working Memory Index
Identifies a child’s ability to recall and manipulate verbal and visual information in their short-term memory. Performing tasks of mental math and listening and responding to directions and instructions will engage a child’s working memory.
How to improve this skill:
Play mental math games together. Engage your child in grocery shopping, have them remember items from the list. Other game suggestions can be found here.
The Processing Speed Index
Measures a child’s ability to effectively and efficiently complete a paper and pencil task in a timely manner. Finishing assignments within a specified time may be challenging for a child with a below-average processing speed.
How to improve this skill:
Improve processing speed and strengthen math skills by practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with flashcards and timed tests.
Strengths and weaknesses in any of these areas will impact learning. We believe that all children can learn. The role of a school psychologist is to work with families to provide insight into a child’s strengths, allowing them to tap into their natural abilities. Identifying cognitive weaknesses provides the opportunity for accommodation and intervention to help a child continue to flourish in school and beyond.
Book your child’s assessment today by contacting us or calling 813-395-9049.
