Use of Ed.Psych Report in appeal

Consult our experts on 11 Plus appeals or any other type of school appeal

Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
11 Plus Platform - Online Practice Makes Perfect - Try Now
Kat
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:02 pm

Use of Ed.Psych Report in appeal

Post by Kat »

Hi
My daughter just received her 11+ result and scored a disappointing 118.
We have an Ed .Psych report from 2 1/2 years ago which flags up problems of dyslexia . It shows that she is in the superior range for verbal reasoning ( percentile rank 96) but is relatively weak in processing and working memory.
The report summary states that she would be ideally suited to the academically challenging environment of a grammar school.
Would this report add weight to our appeal or might it be a double edged sword ie. would they think ok so she's bright but this isn't demonstrated under extreme time pressure such as exams ?
I'd be grateful for any advice.
Thanks
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Welcome, Kat.

Ideally the report should not be more than approx. 18 months old. However, I think you have nothing to lose by using it. It's unlikely to be a "double edged sword", and it does add weight to your academic case.
Etienne
Kat
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:02 pm

Post by Kat »

Hi
Thank you for the swift response.
I have seen the head teacher and he is fully supportive of our case.
He has predicted 5s in year 6 SATs (although possibly a 4a in writing due to dyslexia difficulties) and has ticked the 2 box for ' would recommend a grammar place" and a 1 for 'attitude' on the appeal form.
Will this help us?

Thanks Again !
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Yes, so far so good!

You mentioned the EP report in the context of academic ability. It looks as if you're going to need it - in particular its reference to dyslexic problems - to help explain the 4a in English.

If you wish to share the information, it would be interesting to know the exact scores and percentiles for Full Scale IQ, Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Processing Speed, and Working Memory. (I'm assuming the EP used WISC tests.)

What was the other 11+ score (Bucks parents should always give us both scores, as we know appeal panels are likely to take the second score into account).
Etienne
Kat
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:02 pm

Post by Kat »

Hi
The result for the 1st test was 116 and the 2nd 118.
The EP used WISC and the full results with percentiles are as follows:-
Verbal comp 126 96%
Percep reasoning 119 90%
processing speed 100 50 %
working memory 104 61%
Full Scale IQ 119 90%
General ability index 125 95%

Are things looking as good now ?
You are obviously 'au fait' with all this stuff but is your average appeal panel member ?
Thanks
Kat
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Hi, Kat.

As you say, there is a marked difference between your son's cognitive scores (verbal and perceptual) and processing speed/working memory. For this reason the Full Scale IQ can be considered misleading, and I think it significant that your EP gives the GAI (General Ability Index) - this is a summary score derived from the 3 Verbal Comprehension and 3 Perceptual Reasoning subtests, and is less sensitive to the influence of working memory and processing speed.

A processing speed of less than 90 is sometimes one of the indicators that extra time should be considered, but I see that your son scored 100.

Most appeal panel members have probably had some training in EP reports, and it is likely that at least one member of your panel will be quite familiar with them. Nevertheless, I suspect they won't necessarily understand the significance of the GAI, so you ought to offer a brief explanation!

I suggest you take them through the report, picking out up to half-a-dozen points that help your case (e.g. "If you would turn to page 3, first paragraph, line 5 - [pause until you see they've found the right place] - you'll see that the EP has said .......").

Hope this helps.
Etienne
Kat
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:02 pm

Post by Kat »

Hi Etienne
In addition to the information that the school is providing ,would a supporting letter from my daughter's specialist dyslexia teacher who she saw weekly for a couple of years also help ?
Thanks
Kat
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Dear Kat

This could be helpful, provided the teacher states his/her qualifications, and focuses on dyslexia, and any problems the format of the 11+ would cause a dyslexic child.

The letter needs to be as objective as possible. I would strongly advise against any well-intentioned assertions such as "I think X is ideally suited to a grammar school ......."
Etienne
Kat
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:02 pm

Post by Kat »

Thanks Etienne that was helpful.
Kat
Post Reply
11 Plus Platform - Online Practice Makes Perfect - Try Now