Achievement tests are individually given tests that measure a student's academic skills and knowledge. We have multiple assessment kits that provide standard scores in traditional areas such as Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Test results may help identify strengths and weaknesses, which are important when addressing educational needs of students with sensory loss.

An adaptive behavior test will attempt to measure a child's abilities to perform more functional behaviors. The tests focus on Daily Living skills, Socialiization skills, and Communication skills. They typically do not involve a direct testing session with the student. Instead, they involve families and/or educators (anyone familiar with the child) answering a few pages of questions. Once completed, these tests provide scores that compare the child's behavior to their same-age peers.

For children under the age of 8 years, these tests measure global development, and not just academic knowledge. Instead of focusing on Achievement (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic), Developmental Scales typically test Motor skills, Social/Emotional development, Adaptive (self-help) skills, and Language development.

If parents/guardians request it, Outreach Providers may attend formal Special Education meetings. We may offer content suggestions or guidance before the meeting. We will only speak on test results that we have given, student behaviors that we've observed, or recommendations that we've made in our written reports. 

Upon receiving an Outreach referral, one of the first things we do is ask for copies of the student's Special Education Eligibility report and current IEP (Individualized Education Plan). We also try to obtain Audiological records. Depending on a student's unique needs, we may also request certain medical records, therapy notes, etc. To be most effective, we try to empower ourselves with as much knowledge about the student as possible.

Instructional coaching may naturally occur during the course of conversation between your Outreach Provider and familes and educators. Upon occasion, it may also be provided during a formal session.

Our Providers can administer IQ tests. They are uniquely qualified to understand how hearing and/or vision loss can affect a student's ability to participate in such testing. They are very thorough and provide the families and schools with a detailed report of these results. 

To get a complete picture of a student's needs, we often want to interview their family, teachers, therapists, or even the child themselves. Sometimes it takes a new person's perspective to objectively review the situation.

Language assessments may be the most important testing that Outreach provides for our D/HH students. Hearing loss frequently affects language development, which is why we have standardized tests for both ASL (American Sign Language), as well as verbal/spoken language. Results provide scores that compare your student to his/her same-aged peers, aiding the identification of weaknesses to be addressed.

Observing a student is a crucial tool we use to identify unique challenges to students with sensory loss. With our experience and knowledge, we're able to recognize issues that may impact the student's educational performance. 

With parental/guardian permission, Outreach can provide some services virtually. We've had to adapt to COVID-19 issues, which means sometimes using Zoom, GoogleMeet, and similar video-conferencing platforms. To date, we've used these to conduct interviews, consultations, observations, participation in meetings, and administration of certain tests.

After completing our services, Outreach typically provides a report of observations and/or test results. The information goes to both the student's family and the school, and includes recommendations to address any issues that were noted. Recommendations are simply suggestions for the famiies and schools.

Part of our 7-page Application Packet includes information on the AIRCB (Alabama Instructional Resource Center for the Blind). If your student does not have vision loss, feel free to ignore those last couple of pages. However, the first five pages ARE required for Outreach to provide services.