Activity 3

We talked about the assessment process/cycle and where screening tools might best fit, i.e. intake, initial assessment, ongoing assessment. We asked you to think about your own experience to help identify the best time to use a screening tool for learning disabilities and why. Here's what you told us:

• Intake because then one person does the complete assessment. The information gathered at intake can then be passed on to the tutor along with specific strategies.
• Many programs combine intake with initial assessment; others do this as separate activities.
• People may be nervous at intake so it is preferable to wait until later on.
• You may not suspect a learning disability until you have worked with the learner for a while.
• It depends on the program structure and available staffing.
• You need to decide based on the learner's readiness.
• If you wait too long, you run the risk that the learner will become frustrated. But if you screen too early, the learner might not be ready. It is a fine line.
• You can do minimal screening at intake then do a more in-depth screening later on when the learner is more comfortable with the program.