Language/Literacy screenings vs. evaluations

I hear the two terms 'screenings' and 'evaluations' used interchangeably all the time.  It leads to a lot of confusion about what has and hasn't been done for a child.

First, let's discuss screenings.  A screening is a quick snapshot of language or literacy skills.  These screens take about 5-15 minutes.  They look at key concepts and whether your child does or does not exhibit risk factors for those skills.  A screening is a fast way to determine if a child appears to be developing typically when compared with peers.  Screens do NOT diagnose.  They can't be used to determine whether a child is eligible for special education services.  Screenings don't look at every skill, just a few important ones and because of this, screenings can sometimes miss kids who actually do have language or literacy problems.

If you have concerns about your child, tell the speech-language pathologist about them so she can consider those concerns while she does the screen.  Your concerns may change the type of screening that is provided for your child.  A screening just tells us whether we should investigate things further using an evaluation.

Now, let's talk evaluations.  Evaluations are lengthier and comprehensive.  They look at many specific skills related to language and literacy.  Your child may be given formal standardized tests, informal tests, and even be observed during their play or classroom time.  The speech language pathologist may also want to look at examples of work, like writing or drawings, completed independently by your child.  An evaluation may also include a family history.  At the end of an evaluation you will be told either that your child's skills are typical or you will receive a diagnosis.  We use a diagnosis to help us explain the patterns of strengths and weaknesses found in the testing.  An evaluation is sometimes used to help determine eligibility for services in schools.  The information gathered will then be used as the basis for a treatment plan that is developed with you to help your child succeed.  

If you have concerns, it is possible to obtain screenings and basic evaluations for your child at your local public school free of charge.  If you prefer a private and comprehensive language-literacy evaluation, you can contact Educational Inspiration at educationalinspiration.com.