Sum up the process

• Explain the next steps
• Go over the results if appropriate
• Emphasize how this is a positive step⁷

Deciding what tools to pack

Ah the joys of packing! For many of us packing for a trip can be a challenge. What will the weather be like? Where will we go? Will we need casual or formal clothes?

Deciding what screening tools to use during a journey of discovery with a learner can be a lot like packing for a trip. There are many variables that can affect what tools you choose to include in your toolbox (suitcase). Each variable will be weighted differently depending on the learners you serve, your agency resources, the purpose for using the tool, the availability of formal assessment services and your experiences as a practitioner - just to name a few!

When Literacy Link South Central decided to develop a rating process for the learning disability screening tools, we first researched what tools had been evaluated already and examined what criteria were used during their research. The criteria were modified to reflect the LBS program environment and then vetted by a working group to ensure relevancy and comprehensiveness. We then asked practitioners from the LBS community to review several screening tools and share what factors (criteria) they used when they evaluated the tools. Interestingly however, LBS practitioners and external researchers shared very similar views as to what criteria should be used to evaluate screening tools.