Factors Affecting Assessment Results

Factors Affecting Assessment Results
The use of tests can provide valuable information to be used in developing a successful educational plan, but testing results alone cannot fully determine a student's needs. A licensed staff will always be responsible for interpretation of test results, but the paraprofessional may help with scoring, proctoring, or recording during the testing. In addition, the paraprofessional may have insight into the student's stress level during the test or other factors that may affect results in some way.
There are many factors that can affect testing results, regardless of the quality of the tests being used. The results of a test can be skewed by factors outside the control of the student. Your role as a paraprofessional should never include evaluating test results. However, in the course of assisting with this process, you may offer valuable information to the assessment team. If you think that something may be affecting the test results, let the teacher who directs your work, or other team member, know of your concerns.
Physical, Mental, Home, and School Factors
Physical and Mental Factors physical disabilities (hearing loss, visual impairment, etc.) general health condition
Is the student suffering from a cold, flu, head lice, or other temporary or chronic illness?
Did the student get enough sleep before taking the test?
Had the student eaten breakfast that morning? the student's school attendance record the student's school learning ability levels
Home Factors
Do the parents take an interest in their child's education?
Is the student a native speaker of another language or is he/she bilingual?
Is there stimulation for learning within the home (i.e., books, television, internet, etc.)?Is the student able to receive help on school work at home?
Does the student have a happy home life?
School Factors
Does the student appear interested in school work?
Is the student markedly over- or under-age for the grade?
Is instruction generally