School Readiness by Christine Copley

SCHOOL READINESS ASSESSMENTS FOR GRADE-R LEARNERS

CHRISTINE COPLEY Registered Counsellor
HPCSA Reg. No: PRC0037095/Practice No. 0867977

The Aptitude Test for School Beginners (ASB) is a psychological assessment for the evaluation of certain aptitudes or abilities which are important in elementary education. With the uncertainty of the possible repercussions of Covid-19 on academic progress, due to school closures and the extra demands and stresses placed on both parents and educators, the ASB assessment is a valuable tool in screening grade R learners to identify any potential problem areas.

The ASB is a screening assessment and not a diagnostic tool. It will assess a child’s readiness to start grade 1 and will highlight areas where the learner is struggling to meet certain minimum requirements for their age group.

This information can then assist educators in devising an appropriate Learner Support Plan and provide recommendations to parents to help the learner improve in those areas identified so they can better meet the demands of a formal schooling environment.

The test battery consists of the following tests:

Perception
The purpose of this test is to determine the child’s visual perception. Emphasis is placed on the ability to visually analyse and distinguish between similarities and differences. This ability is essential for reading and writing proficiency.

Spatial
Spatial orientation and the ability to visualise are primary abilities for general success at school.

Reasoning
This test measures concept formation, logical thinking and the ability to classify, which are important aspects of the learning process.

Numerical
This test provides an indication of the child’s ability to count and understand quantities, proportions and numbers. Verbal comprehension, logical thinking and concentration play a role and are important for satisfactory progress at school.

Gestalt
This test assesses a child’s ability to reproduce simple figures and to observe the position of horizontal, vertical, oblique and curved lines. These abilities are important in reading and writing. Attentiveness, concentration and the absence of figure-background confusion are essential for success in this test.

Co-ordination
The aim of this test is to evaluate the child’s motor skill and the maturity and skill in using a pencil and paper, which is an essential ability for writing.

Memory
The non-intentional visual memory of the child is measured. For successful progress in the initial stages of a child’s school career, she/he has to largely rely on visual memory.

Verbal Comprehension
This test measures the ability to understand the meaning of a word in the context of a sentence. Comprehension of the spoken word is extremely important in the development of language.

The assessment includes a comprehensive report indicating the test results, interpretation thereof and any recommendations or referrals deemed appropriate.

Mental Healthcare Professionals who may conduct school readiness assessments include: Registered Counsellors (registered with the HPCSA), Psychometrists and Psychologists. Some medical aid schemes will cover a portion of Psychometric Assessments.

Every child is a different kind of flower,
and altogether make this world a beautiful garden.”

-Anonymous-