Information for Teachers and School Staff
As educators and school staff, you play a vital role in supporting the learning and wellbeing of students every day. You know your students well, and sometimes you might notice a child who is struggling in ways that go beyond the usual ups and downs of school life. These observations can be the first important step in identifying whether a student could benefit from a learning assessment by a psychologist.
A learning assessment can help us better understand how a student thinks, learns, and processes information. It can also provide valuable insights to guide teaching strategies, classroom support, and communication with families. Below are some signs that might suggest a learning assessment could be helpful:
Academic Indicators
- Consistent difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, or maths, even with targeted support
- Discrepancy between effort and outcomes, for example, a student who works hard but continues to fall behind
- Problems following instructions or retaining information, especially multi-step directions
- Slow pace when completing work, or needing significantly more time than peers
- Avoidance behaviours, such as frequent absences on test days or reluctance to participate in class activities
Behavioural and Emotional Indicators
- Frustration, low self-esteem, or anxiety around learning tasks
- Outbursts, withdrawal, or disengagement in classroom settings
- Signs of masking or copying others to get through work, rather than demonstrating independent skills
- Negative self-talk, e.g. “I’m stupid” or “I’ll never get this”
Social and Developmental Indicators
- Difficulties with social interactions or group work that seem related to communication or understanding expectations
- Struggles with organisation, planning, or time management
- Fine or gross motor challenges that impact written work or participation
What to Do if You’re Noticing These Signs
If you’re seeing patterns like these in a student, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a learning disorder – but it may indicate that they would benefit from further exploration. The earlier we can understand a student’s unique learning profile, the sooner we can tailor support that builds on their strengths and helps them thrive.
Here’s how you can help:
- Document observations and keep track of what you’re noticing over time
- Connect with support staff and raise concerns with the school psychologist, learning support, or wellbeing team
- Engage with families and share observations in a sensitive and supportive way, highlighting the goal of working together to support the child
Working Together
Learning assessments are not about labelling students – they’re about understanding and empowering them. When we identify learning needs early and work together with families and specialists, we give children the best chance to succeed not only in the classroom but also in their confidence, relationships, and self-belief.
Thank you for being a crucial part of that journey.
