What it is
A psychoeducational evaluation is a set of standardized tests that measure thinking skills and academic skills side by side. Comparing the two shows whether a student is learning in line with their abilities, and if not, where and why the gap appears.
It's most often used to identify a specific learning disorder, such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), or dyscalculia (math), and to document what supports a student needs.
What it measures
- Cognitive abilities: reasoning, problem solving, and verbal and visual skills
- Reading: accuracy, fluency, and comprehension
- Writing: spelling and written expression
- Math: calculation and problem solving
- Language processing
- Memory and processing speed
Often, an evaluation also looks at attention, mood, or social communication, because ADHD, anxiety, and autism can affect learning too, and they can look like a learning disorder from the outside.
Signs it may help
- Grades don't match how hard your child is working
- Reading is slow or effortful, even with practice
- Spelling stays inconsistent, or getting ideas onto paper is a struggle
- Math facts don't stick, or multi-step problems fall apart
- Homework takes far longer than it should
- Your child says they're "dumb," or avoids school
Adults can benefit too, especially college and graduate students, or anyone who needs accommodations for exams or work.
School evaluation or private evaluation?
Public schools must evaluate students suspected of having a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), at no cost to families. School evaluations focus on whether a student qualifies for special education services.
Families choose a private evaluation when they want:
- A diagnosis. Schools determine eligibility; they don't always name a specific learning disorder, ADHD, or other condition.
- A broader picture, including attention, mood, and other factors that affect learning.
- Specific recommendations for home, tutoring, and therapy, not just school.
- Documentation beyond K–12, such as college disability services or testing agencies.
- Faster timing, or a second opinion.
Schools review private evaluations through their own 504 or IEP process and make the eligibility decision.
What happens at WPS
We call this learning disability testing. The process has three steps: an intake, a testing session of about 2 to 5 hours with breaks, and a feedback session where we go over your written report and recommendations. Learning disability testing is done in person at our Arvada office, a short drive from Denver, Westminster, Lakewood, and the west metro. How to talk to your child about testing.
Our reports put the answers on page one, with strengths, relative weaknesses, and specific recommendations organized for school teams. See how our reports are organized.
Cost
Insurance generally doesn't cover learning disability or psychoeducational evaluations, because insurers treat them as educational rather than medical. A standalone evaluation is $1,800 self-pay, or $750 when added to another evaluation, such as for ADHD or autism. If ADHD, autism, or a mood concern is part of the question, that part of the evaluation may be covered by insurance. Learning disability testing and fees.
Getting started
We evaluate children 8 and older, teens, and adults, and no referral is needed. Book a testing intake or call the office with questions.