What to Expect
A simple, family-friendly process.
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1
Get in touch
Start by contacting Reading Path Assessment Services and sharing concerns about your child's reading.
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2
Parent intake
You'll complete a parent intake form providing information about your child's educational history, reading development, strengths, and areas of concern. After completing the form, the evaluator may contact you for a follow-up phone call regarding the information shared.
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3
Evaluation
Your child's evaluation will take place in an agreed-upon location — sometimes from the comfort of your own home. The specific assessment activities are selected based on your child's age and individual concerns.
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4
Results & report
Results are carefully reviewed and interpreted to develop a clear picture of your child's reading profile. You'll receive a written report explaining the findings and providing individualized recommendations.
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5
Parent consultation
We'll meet to review the results, answer your questions, and discuss possible next steps.
The goal? For you to leave the process with a better understanding of how your child learns to read, where they may be struggling, and what may help.
Frequently asked questions
Who can receive an evaluation?
Reading Path Assessment Services provides reading evaluations for children within the specified age ranges. Contact RPAS if you're unsure which service is appropriate for your child.
Where do evaluations take place?
Evaluations are conducted in your home, providing a familiar and convenient environment for your child. If home isn't the best place for the evaluation, other testing locations can be discussed. RPAS is currently working with students in and around New Jersey. Contact RPAS for more information regarding testing locations.
How long does an evaluation take?
The length of an evaluation depends on the service selected and your child's individual needs. Details will be provided when scheduling.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes. Comprehensive evaluations include a detailed written report explaining the results and providing individualized recommendations.
Will you explain the results to me?
Yes. A parent consultation is included so you can ask questions and discuss the findings and recommendations.
Can I share the report with my child's school?
Yes. Parents may choose to share the report with their child's teachers, interventionists, school team, or other professionals.
Does an RPAS evaluation replace a school evaluation?
No. An independent reading evaluation is different from an evaluation conducted by a school district. RPAS does not determine eligibility for special education or replace a school-based evaluation.
Can you identify dyslexia?
Yes. As a New Jersey-certified Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) with a Master of Education degree in Special Education, I am qualified to conduct educational assessments of reading and learning difficulties.
An RPAS evaluation can identify characteristics and patterns consistent with dyslexia, including areas of difficulty in phonological processing, word reading, decoding, reading fluency, and other skills associated with reading development.
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) describes dyslexia as a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties with word reading and/or spelling involving accuracy, speed, or both. IDA also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation and identification rather than relying on a single test.
RPAS evaluations are educational assessments, not medical or clinical diagnoses. My role is to evaluate a student's reading skills, identify patterns of strengths and weaknesses that may be consistent with dyslexia, explain what those findings mean for the student's learning, and provide individualized recommendations for instruction and support.
Can an RPAS evaluation identify a Specific Learning Disability?
An RPAS evaluation can identify strengths, weaknesses, and patterns of performance within your child's reading and learning profile and can identify characteristics that may be consistent with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) in reading.
The evaluation focuses on your child's reading skills and related areas of learning that may be contributing to reading difficulties. Results are interpreted together with relevant background and educational information to provide a comprehensive picture of your child's reading profile.
An RPAS evaluation is an educational assessment and is not a medical or clinical diagnosis. In addition, RPAS does not determine eligibility for special education services. School-based eligibility for an SLD is determined by the school district's Child Study Team using the applicable state and federal criteria and may involve additional assessment and sources of information.
RPAS can, however, provide parents with valuable information about what their child is struggling with, why those difficulties may be occurring, and what types of instruction and support may help.
What should I bring to the evaluation?
Before the evaluation, you'll be given information about any materials or records that would be helpful.
What if I'm not sure my child needs an evaluation?
That's okay. You don't need to know exactly what is wrong before reaching out. Contact RPAS and share your concerns — we can help you determine whether an evaluation may be an appropriate next step.
What ages do you evaluate?
Comprehensive reading evaluations are currently offered for children ages 7–16. The Early Reading Screening is available for younger children who are developing foundational reading skills, ages 4–6.
How do I get started?
Complete the contact form or reach out directly to Reading Path Assessment Services.