Testing and Assessment
What is Testing and Assessment? Diagnostic testing and assessment is designed to answer questions that arise when students have problems in academic achievement and progress, proper educational placement, and emotional and behavioral functioning.
Why would I want to have testing done? Our assessment process may be helpful in determining possible reasons a student may be having academic, social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. It also allows Counseling Services to formulate helpful recommendations and referrals.
What happens during testing? Your first appointment includes a computerized intake questionnaire, and a meeting with a counselor to discuss issues that are of concern. The counselor will then determine what, if any, psychological, cognitive, and psychoeducational tests need to be administered. Tests are generally paper-and-pencil and problem solving tests that are given individually, with the counselor facilitating the procedures. Once testing is finished, a written report is generated. You can expect a wait-time for 2-4 weeks before this written report is completed. Your last appointment includes a feedback session, in which the counselor will review the results of the testing, discuss recommendations, and answer all of your questions.
Our partnership with Accessibility Services: The Accessibility Services office at UM-Flint provides a supportive environment that enables students with disabilities the opportunity to develop to their maximum academic and personal potential. At times, students may present to Accessibility Services and need documentation of a learning or psychiatric disability in order to receive accommodations. Counseling Services provides testing and documentation of these disabilities to Accessibility Services free of charge to students.
See below for more information regarding learning disabilities.
Learning Disabilities are obstacles to learning in a conventional way. They are neurological in origin and affect the way an individual takes in and processes information. Learning Disabilities occur in individuals with at least average intelligence and manifest themselves as a unique pattern of weaknesses in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in learning.
Individuals with learning disabilities may have difficulties in some but not all the following areas:
- Confusion of similar words
- Applying phonic rules and generalizations
- Slow reading
- Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material
- Difficulty in acquiring basic mathematical facts such as multiplication tables
- Reversing numbers and confusing operational symbols
- Difficulty in understanding word problems
- Problems with manipulating symbols and grasping abstract concepts
- Problems in following directions
- Difficulty in organization, time management and completing assignments
If you are experiencing a number of these difficulties, diagnostic testing may be useful in identifying problems and lead you toward obtaining appropriate help. Contact the Student Development Center (810-762-3456) to make an appointment. If you are concerned about a possible learning disability, ask to make an appointment with Zach Tomlinson, the Accessibility Services Coordinator.
