Initial interpretation and further inquiry

Based on the information gleaned from the intake interview and the CATT results, it appears that Samantha has difficulty with reading comprehension and spelling, which may indicate some type of visual processing disability. Her vocabulary and verbal skills are excellent which rules out any intellectual ability and her medical history reveals no interfering factors to impact her learning. Her key strength is her determination and realistic understanding of herself. She has a good support system and is clear on her goal.

• Utilize a self-assessment tool, but provide oral direction if she is having difficulty reading it. This will help to gain insight into Samantha's understanding of her strengths and weaknesses and may also give insight into her oral comprehension versus her reading comprehension.
• Discuss how Samantha has dealt with her reading challenges (i.e. when dealing with her son and taking care of his needs) - she may identify strategies that she has used without realizing they are strategies.
• Ask Samantha how she felt about the CAAT and the math inventory skills tests: what areas did she struggle with and what areas did she find okay?
• Share with Samantha her role in the whole learning process and the importance for both Samantha and the practitioner to be open to ensure the best learning opportunity for her.
• Further assessment is required to understand Samantha's strengths and weaknesses. It will be important to point out her strengths given her past educational experiences and frustrations with her reading abilities. Build on any existing strategies if they have been identified.