We've discussed assessments before in previous episodes, but today's episode is unique. Parents and educators may be unfamiliar with dynamic assessments and how they can not only benefit the educator in driving instruction, but also help the student learn more about the ways they learn and achieve success.

Dr. Daniel Franklin is no stranger to the ChildNEXUS community as a ChildNEXUS provider and the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. In a previous episode, Dr. Franklin discussed his book Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities and he joins me today to share his expertise on the topic of dynamic assessments. For the conversation today, Dr. Franklin discusses this type of assessment from the point of view of the practitioner, but he also shares a lot of the history and science behind why dynamic assessments can benefit students and educators.

What sets these assessments apart from other forms? Listen to find out more.

Show Notes:

[2:24] - Dynamic assessments are not as well known as other forms of assessments to parents and educators.

[3:12] - Dynamic assessments involve a high level of interaction in varying degrees.

[4:23] - Dr. Franklin describes the history of dynamic assessments dating back to the 1930's.

[5:46] - The younger the student is, the more necessary it is for instruction to be mediated.

[6:32] - How can we use assessments dynamically to determine a student's potential?

[8:44] - You can have two kids get the same exact score on the exact same test but they can have their score for very different reasons.

[10:55] - When a child takes a test, they may have a behavioral or psychological difference that impacts their ability to perform on the test.

[12:04] - Dr. Franklin demonstrates how he proctors a dynamic assessment.

[13:27] - You can have a child take a test that they should do very well on, but they may shut down on the first question.

[14:52] - Teachers may not be available to provide a dynamic assessment.

[15:51] - Dynamic assessments are a reasonable and appropriate accommodation on a student's IEP.

[17:33] - Are guidance and prompts permitted during dynamic assessments? Dr. Franklin says there are different approaches.

[21:14] - Repeated mistakes can be examined quickly.

[23:02] - The valuable information gathered from a dynamic instruction is why a student is struggling.

[24:51] - Another key element to dynamic assessments is in writing.

[26:32] - Within writing support, there is the concern about authorship.

[27:31] - Practitioners should be in contact with educators to clarify all the notes taken and the legitimacy of the assessment particularly in the area of writing.

[29:17] - Standardized tests are given to all students under the same conditions and cannot be deviated from the set guidelines.

[30:50] - Dr. Wilson gives an example of how she creates a report to show what a child could do outside a standardized test and what information can help guide teachers in their instruction.

[32:52] - One of the benefits of dynamic assessments is determining the potential of a child.

[34:02] - If children continue to experience struggle and failure, it can unfortunately become how they perceive themselves.

[35:18] - Sharing your observations with the child is an opportunity to model instruction and boost confidence.

[36:53] - A parent can also use a homework assignment dynamically to help determine where they can help in a meaningful way.

[37:50] - Traditional testing often makes the assumption that every child comes to the assessment with the same tools.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Franklin is the author of Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities, and a co-editor of The Los Angeles Psychologist. He holds a master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a PhD from UCLA in Education. Dr. Franklin has over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant.

Connect with Dr. Daniel Franklin:

• FranklinEd.com
• (310) 571-1176
• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile: Dr. Daniel Franklin
• Facebook
• Twitter

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 4: Helping Your Child with Language Based Learning Disabilities with Dr. Daniel Franklin
• Episode 2: Demystifying the Assessment Process
• How to Initiate a Special Education Assessment
• Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities by Daniel Franklin PhD
• Supporting Parents of Children with Language-Based Learning Disabilities

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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.