Introduction
In times when a client has certain difficulties such as reading or comprehending things, poor concentration or such traits, professionals are required to carry out assessments in ways that are outside their norm. This is because the assessment has to accommodate these traits of the client that are not usually found in most clients. The use of different ways of assessment or the modification of ordinary means of assessment to suit such a client may affect the outcome and interpretation of results. The following essay examines the case of Meanie, an eight-year-old girl who has been having problems in comprehension, reading and inattention in class and describes how the accommodations made to suit her assessment impact the result of her assessment.
Making accommodations to the method of assessment could mean that the way in which the results are interpreted changes, or it could affect the accuracy of outcomes. For example in Melanie’s case, Keith may be forced to use some types of assessments that are of a lower grade than the on Melanie is in because she has problems with comprehension. Due to the use of assessments that are of a lower class, Keith will have to alter how he interprets the results since he is using a lower grade assessment for a client of a higher age. For instance, Keith may use an assessment that uses pictures instead of one that involves reading to assess the way information is processed in Melanie's brain thereby being able to make a diagnosis.
Melanie would require to undergo a test that assesses her reading, comprehension, and behavior as a result of the inattention. She needs to undergo a group test so that her performance can be compared to that of other children her age and the differences noted. An example of one of the assessment tests that are useful in making a diagnosis in Melanie's case is the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI). It is a test that involves the child reading though non-fiction ad fiction passages on the computer and then answering questions about them (Lopez, 2003). The computer then adjusts the difficulty of the questions depending on the answers given. In the end, it determines the grade at which that child is ready to be taught. An assessment of Melanie's behavior needs to be carried out to investigate the behavioral problems she is exhibiting which are talking out in class and difficulty paying attention. Such have been associated with behavioral issues like Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A test that may be used to assess Melanie’s behavior is Conner’s teacher and parent rating scales. It involves the teachers and parents of Melanie filling out questionnaires on the behavior of Melanie (Maruish, 2004). Other kids who are older can also be given the questionnaire. The questions center on social skills, hyperactivity and inattention and the answers given will help Keith to determine if Melanie may be suffering from conditions such as ADHD.
The use of the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) for assessing Melanie is appropriate since it will enable Keith to determine the grade at which Melanie’s mind is functioning and also how she is processing information by analyzing the answers she gives (Maruish, 2004). It'll also enable Keith to see for how long Melanie will focus on the stories and how much information she retains. Another benefit is that the test is computer standardized hence, reducing the risk of bias.
Just as children with special needs require special education so do they also require different assessment methods. Over time, the impact of the results of assessment has significantly changed. In the past, being diagnosed with certain conditions such as learning disabilities came with a lot of shame for the individual. Such people were shunned by society and sometimes parents would hide their children who had mental problems from the public keeping them locked up in their houses. Nowadays, due to increased awareness and developments in treatment for those with mental problems, the stigma that comes with disorders is slowly decreasing and people diagnosed with mental health issues are treated either using medication, therapy or in the case of learning disorders taken to learning institutions for people with special needs.
In conclusion, Melanie's assessment should focus on her difficulty reading, comprehending and her difficulty in keeping attention. Constant observation can be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis. Behavioral problems and learning disorders are a frequent occurrence in the present day and can be treated, or the individual can be guided in managing to live a complete life regardless of the problem.
References
Lopez, S. J. (2003) Positive psychological assessment: a handbook of models and measures.
Washington DC: American Psychological Association
Maruish, M. E. (2004) The use of psychological testing for treatment planning and outcomes assessment. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
