assessments UGH!

[Guest guest]

Jill,

I hear you and I feel for you. We have had limited experience with

cognitive and speech assessments because we have refused to do them for the

last 4 years. But we have done in Evie's 7 1/2 years. I was always left

with the feelings and thoughts you described. No one who has assessed Evie

has been able to remark on her many strengths. The tools they use are so

limited. And the people who use them take them all too seriously. There

is rarely useful information given on things such as learning style.

When Evie was 5 we pulled together a group of people whom we knew and

respected and who supported our perspective (to focus on the positive

things about Evie's character and abilities). We asked these people to do

a PATH with us (PATH is a long range planning tool) and to commit

themselves to support Evie as she grows and our family in this process.

This means we meet yearly to talk about our goals for Ev and look at the

accomplishments of the past year and make sure our homeschooling curriculum

and our activities are geared toward our long term goals (things like

fostering her interest in music and books and ensuring she is part of the

community).

The individuals in this group have been the best " assessors " of Evie and

her growth. They see her often (the group is comprised of people we see

regularly like our music teacher, family friend, Family Support Worker,

extended family members) and remark (in language I can understand!!!)

constantly on her successes and ours (feels good). And they also comment

when there are concerns - it is not all sunshine and roses. It has felt

very empowering to be part of this cluster and what we get out of it is far

more meaningful for all of us than previous formal " assessments " were.

I like Jacqui's idea about burning the assessment and refocussing on what

is positive and meaningful for your family.

Thinking of you,