Educational Evaluations

What is an Educational Evaluation?

Educational evaluations are essential assessments designed to identify learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. A diagnosis can help individuals access specialized instruction and support tailored to their needs. This evaluation may be referred to by several names, including special education assessment, school evaluation, or IEP evaluation.

Public schools provide evaluations to determine if a student meets the criteria for a specific learning disability. However, if parents question the results, they have the legal right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the expense of the school district. An IEE provides a second opinion and ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the child’s learning challenges. These evaluations also allow for parental input and specific requests to be considered.

For homeschooled students, Education Savings Account (ESA) funding can be used to cover the cost of an educational evaluation. Additionally, adults who have struggled academically throughout their education can also undergo an evaluation to determine if a learning disability is present.

What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability is a persistent difficulty in one or more specific academic areas, rather than a general impairment across all subjects. Individuals with learning disabilities often require specialized strategies and support to succeed academically.

Warning Signs of a Learning Disability
Early Childhood Indicators:
  • Difficulty with rhyming, blending sounds, and learning the alphabet
  • Trouble understanding spelling rules
  • Difficulty remembering small but common words (e.g., the, of, said) that cannot be phonetically sounded out
  • Stronger listening comprehension compared to reading comprehension—may understand stories when read aloud but struggle when reading independently
Middle and Secondary School Indicators:
  • Reluctant reader
  • Slow, word-by-word reading with significant difficulty recognizing words
  • Poor spelling—may miscode sounds, omit letters, or add extra syllables
  • Non-fluent writing—slow and of poor quality
  • Weak vocabulary
  • Difficulty applying math concepts
  • Persistent struggles in one or more academic subjects

What is Included in an Educational Evaluation?

At Desert Sage Health, we provide comprehensive, in-person assessments to gain a full understanding of the individual’s learning profile. Our evaluations go beyond identifying a learning disability by also assessing any emotional or behavioral factors that may impact academic performance.

Our educational evaluations include:
  • In-depth Clinical Interview – A detailed discussion to explore symptoms, developmental history, and daily life challenges.
  • Cognitive Assessments – Measures general intellectual abilities and problem-solving skills.
  • Academic Assessments – Evaluates reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Social-Emotional Assessments – Identifies emotional and behavioral challenges that may affect learning.
  • Observational Assessments – Assesses learning behaviors in various settings.

Following the evaluation, we provide a comprehensive and easy-to-read report that clearly outlines findings, whether the individual meets the criteria for a learning disability, and personalized recommendations for home, school, and other environments. The report can be used in educational settings, IEP meetings, and other support services. A feedback session is also included to review the results and discuss personalized treatment options.

What is the Cost of an Educational Evaluation?

The cost of an educational evaluation varies based on the type of assessment needed. While insurance providers may cover part of the cost, most insurance providers do not cover evaluations conducted solely for learning disabilities. However, Desert Sage Health is committed to making these services accessible by offering:

Acceptance of Education Savings Accounts (ESA)

Flexible payment plans

Competitive pricing to ensure affordability

Take the Next Step

If you or your child are experiencing academic struggles, a professional educational evaluation can provide the answers and support needed for success.

Contact us