Supporting Students Together: How to Navigate Assessments with Your Child’s School

In Cartwheel’s November webinar, we welcomed Dr. Ellen Braaten—a clinical psychologist, author, and nationally recognized expert in learning and attention. Dr. Braaten broke down the school assessment process in simple, parent-friendly language and shared how evaluations can help families understand a child’s strengths and needs. ‍

Why Assessments Matter

Assessments aren’t just tests—they’re tools that help adults understand how a child learns, thinks, and feels. Dr. Braaten explained that assessments can be helpful when you’re seeing challenges in:

• Reading, writing, or math
• Attention or focus
• Behavior or emotions
• Speech or language
• Motor skills
• Or when a teacher says, “I’m not sure how to help your child.”

If something feels “off” in more than one setting—home, school, or activities—it’s reasonable to ask about an evaluation. More information helps everyone make better decisions.

Dr. Braaten also reminded families that evaluations are meant to give clarity—not confusion. She wrote a parent-friendly book, Straight Talk About Psychological Testing for Kids, which explains these ideas in simple language and helps families feel more prepared when facing school or private evaluations.

School vs. Private Evaluations: What’s the Difference?

Dr. Braaten walked families through the two most common types of evaluations:

School (public) evaluations

• Goal: Decide if a child qualifies for services (like an IEP or 504 plan)
• Often include academic and cognitive testing
• May involve observations or input from different specialists
• Schools do not give diagnoses (like ADHD or dyslexia)
  

Private (clinical) evaluations

• Goal: Understand what’s going on and reach a diagnosis
• Usually more detailed and in-depth
• You choose the evaluator and decide who gets the results
• Sometimes covered by insurance (varies by plan)

Dr. Braaten stressed that this isn’t an either/or choice. Many families do both—using private results to help guide school supports.

The “Must-Haves” to Request

Many families are juggling work, finances, and busy schedules. If getting a full evaluation feels hard, Dr. Braaten shared three key pieces that can still give a clear picture of how a child is doing:

• Cognitive testing – helps show how a child thinks and solves problems
• Academic testing – shows skills in reading, writing, and math
• Behavior/emotional checklists – screens for things like anxiety, ADHD, mood changes, or autism traits

These three pieces together can guide next steps, even when time or resources are limited.

Making Sense of Scores

Assessment reports can feel overwhelming, but Dr. Braaten reminded families that you don’t need to understand every number.

Here’s what matters most:

• Percentiles tell you where your child falls compared to others‍
  50th percentile is average (and that’s okay!).

• Look for big gaps‍
  Strengths above the 75th percentile or weaknesses below the 25th.

• Pay attention to processing speed
  Low processing speed can be a clue in ADHD, learning issues, or anxiety.
  

• Trust your instincts
  If the report doesn’t sound like your child, it’s okay to ask more questions or get a second opinion.

504 vs. IEP: Which One Does Your Child Need?

Schools create two main types of support plans for students who qualify after an evaluation: 504 Plans and IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). These plans help make sure a child gets the accommodations or specialized instruction they need to succeed. Dr. Braaten explained how each plan works and when a child might qualify.

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan gives accommodations that help a child access learning in the classroom. It doesn’t change what the child is learning—just the supports around them.

A 504 Plan might include:

• Extra time on tests
• A quiet room for work
• Breaks during long tasks
• Preferential seating

A 504 is a good fit when a child can stay in the general classroom but needs a few changes to help them succeed.

What is an IEP?

An IEP gives specialized instruction and services. This means the child may learn in a different way, in a different setting, or with different teaching methods.

An IEP might include:

• Small-group instruction
• Reading or math intervention
• Speech or language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Goals tailored to the child’s needs

An IEP is usually the right choice when a child needs more than accommodations—when they need direct teaching or specialized help to make progress.

How to think about the difference

• 504 Plan = "How can we support this child in the regular classroom?"
• IEP = "What instruction or services are needed so this child can learn and grow?"

Both plans are meant to help kids succeed—but the level of support is different.

After the Evaluation: What to Do Next

The goal of an assessment is action. Families can use the report to:

• Update or create a 504 or IEP
• Ask for strategies that match the child’s profile
• Set clear goals with the school
• Plan regular check-ins to see if things are improving

Most students with IEPs are re-evaluated every 3 years, but schools can reassess sooner if needed.

How to Partner With Your School Team

Dr. Braaten encouraged families to see the school as a partner, not an opponent.

Her tips:

• Identify key supporters (like counselors or case managers)
• Stay calm and focused during meetings
• Bring a short summary of your child’s strengths and needs
• Make a few specific requests tied to the assessment

You don’t have to do everything at once. A clear, respectful approach goes a long way.

Talking to Your Child About Testing

Kids don’t need long explanations. Keep things simple and reassuring:

• “We want to understand how you learn best.”
• “Lots of kids do this.”
• “This helps your teachers help you.”

For school-based testing, kids may barely notice it. For private testing, preview what the day will look like so they feel prepared.

Quick Questions to Ask Your Evaluator or School

Dr. Braaten suggested these helpful questions:

• What did we learn about strengths and needs?
• What changes should we make right away?
• What supports match this learning profile?
• How will we measure progress?
• Do we need any other assessments?

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here for Emotional Support

Going through an evaluation can sometimes bring up worries or big emotions for kids and families. If you’re looking for mental health support—someone to talk to, tools for coping, or help managing stress—Cartwheel is here. You can reach out directly through your school district and get connected to care quickly.

‍Learn more and get connected to support: cartwheel.org/families

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We host helpful, family-friendly webinars all year long on topics that matter most to parents, caregivers, and school staff.

View our full webinar calendar and register for upcoming sessions: cartwheel.org/webinarseries