Research Into Practice

Understanding Test Findings

Understanding and Using Psycho-Educational Test Findings

It is well known that children who struggle to learn in school often undergo cognitive testing (psychoeducation and neuropsychological evaluations). These evaluations aim to help children and their parents better understand the child’s profile of strengths and challenges. They are also intended to provide guidance about how to support learning and healthy development. All too often, the evaluation process leaves children and families in the dark.
 
Why? These reports can be long and full of complex terms, and the test results can be difficult to understand and apply in real-life settings. Families may also find it difficult to use test findings to advocate for needed services and supports.


Bridging the Gap

Helping Families Navigate Results
Winston Preparatory School is committed to making this part of the academic journey easier for families. To do this, we are embarking on a national research project to help improve access for families to these types of test findings and reports. Our research team will work with professionals and leading organizations to recommend policies and practice guidelines that help to close this gap.

Learn More About...

List of 3 items.

  • Project Leadership

    • Jonathan Cohen, PhD  (Senior Advisor, Winston Innovation Lab)
    • Amber DeBono, PhD (Director of Research, Winston Innovation Lab)
    • Benjamin Gelbart, PhD (Project Manager, Winston Innovation Lab)
    • Michele Heimbauer, MA, CCC-SLP (Associate Director, Winston Innovation Lab)
    • Sheldon Horowitz, EdD (Senior Advisor, Winston Innovation Lab)
    • Elizabeth Mendelsohn, MA (Executive Director, Winston Innovation Lab)

  • Professional Advisory Committee

    Educational Consultant
    Prior, Senior Manager of Family & Community Engagement at National PTA

    Professor, MGH Institute of Health Professions
    Director, Brain, Education, and Mind (BEAM) Lab 

    Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Director, The Yellin Center for Mind, Brain, and Education

  • Partner Organizations

    • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
    • Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) 
    • National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
    • School Neuropsychology Institute (SNI)


Taking a Closer Look

This National Research Project Will...

List of 4 items.

  • 1

    Reveal how families use test findings to guide educational, social, emotional, and academic planning and improvement efforts.

  • 2

    Reveal the extent to which children and their parents/guardians understand psycho-educational diagnostic test findings.

  • 3

    Gather and summarize what professionals in schools, clinics, and counseling settings have learned about giving feedback to children and families.

  • 4

    Recommend policies to professionals on how to share diagnostic findings in a way that will make it easier for children, parents, and educators to understand. 
Winston Preparatory School is a leading school for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties (ADHD), and non-verbal learning disorders (NVLD).

WPS does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin. The Winston Preparatory School provides programs and services and equal opportunity in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid programs, employment, and the selection of its governing board without regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, or any status recognized by federal, state and local civil rights and non-discrimination laws.