Ever heard of dynamic testing? If not, you should!
School evaluations often churn out reports filled with test scores, standard deviations, and bell curves — numbers that don’t reflect the full, complex picture of our kids and what they need. In order to develop truly individualized school supports, IEP teams have to meet our kids where they are and see how they learn best.
Focus on differences, not deficits.
Standardized tests don’t give a clear picture of our children, especially when communication or motor issues make it hard to see their strengths and areas of need. There’s a different method called dynamic assessment, which focuses on how children learn over time. It’s not one test — it’s an approach, and any parent can advocate for it in the IEP. Learn how in our article.
Dynamic testing is part of a neurodiversity-affirming approach to the IEP that focuses on our kids strengths instead of on their weaknesses. Areas of strength can show a child’s potential and help IEP teams create more ambitious goals.
“A neurodiversity-affirming assessment and IEP is going to highlight the things that the child can do well and the things that support the child when they need that extra additional support to do well.” – Breea Rosas, school psychologist
Add insights from your child’s assessments to their IEP.
Undivided’s IEP Assistant now lets you upload assessments, private evaluations, reports, and other documents to help you identify your child’s areas of need and make sure the IEP addresses them. Get started→
Undivided Conversations: Dynamic Assessments
Sunday, October 16, 10:00 a.m. PT.
Explore how dynamic assessments offer an interactive, strength-focused approach that highlights how children learn over time and their potential for growth in this Undivided Conversation with Lucia Serio, LEP NCSP. Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube
Office hours
Members only · Wednesday, October 7, 12:00 p.m. PT
Bring your questions about special education and IEPs to this week’s office hours with non-attorney education advocate Karen Ford Cull, who specializes in inclusion. Sign up here to participate→
“Let’s Talk About…” series
Members only · Friday, October 9, 12:00 p.m. PT
Last chance to RSVP for this week’s “Let’s Talk About…” event — where parents can come together for informal conversations about the things families are figuring out together. Join parent and Navigator Andrea Loveday-Brown for the first session on building community to combat burnout. RSVP here→
Beyond the Classroom: Building Friendships and Belonging
New: FREE live event · Tuesday, October 20, 1:00 p.m. PT
Join us for a conversation with inclusion expert Dr. Zach Rossetti, associate professor of special education at Boston University, about helping kids build friendships, connect with peers, and find a sense of belonging at school and in the community. Register here→
The Parent Circle
Members only · Thursday, October 22, 12:30 p.m. PT
Join us for The Parent Circle, a monthly, members-only gathering over Zoom to connect with other parents who understand the journey of raising kids with disabilities — led by a licensed therapist and fellow mom. RSVP here→
