Using the Psychological Processing Analyzer is the Ideal Tool to Identify PSW

The Psychological Processing Analyzer (PPA) is software designed to identify the pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) in achievement and psychological (cognitive) processes. After completing a selective, multi-battery assessment of cognitive processes and achievement, the practitioner can use the PPA to statistically analyze scores drawn from several hundred subtests and composites from dozens of assessment batteries. The PPA’s statistical analyses can include up to 14 different cognitive processes and 8 different SLD (specific learning disability) achievement areas. The PPA’s PSW analyses specifically identify potential SLD’s based on low achievement scores, cognitive weaknesses that are related to the low achievement areas, consistency between low achievement and low cognitive scores, and the occurrence of some strengths that indicate the examinee does not just have a global learning disability. All of the analyses results are provided in a 24-page report with tables, charts, and a narrative that includes classroom observations and recommendations for weaknesses.

The PPA also offers several options that make it flexible and useful for all districts and states, regardless of their specific PSW criteria. For example, users can select the level of statistical significance, the achievement cutoff score, the average range of the standard scores, the type of predictor, and which of the cognitive processes and achievement areas to include in the assessment and analysis. For example, practitioners can select either the mean of the process scores or a general cognitive composite, such as IQ, to be used at the predictor that will determine the strengths and weaknesses. The PPA is also applicable to different cognitive abilities theories. For example, practitioners can use the PPA to analyze the results from a Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) perspective.

In addition, the PPA offers some important advantages over other SLD identification methods and over other PSW methods. These advantages include:

• The ability to identify SLD earlier, something very desirable because early interventions produce better results than later ones.
• The option of using either subtest or composite scores for each cognitive and achievement area. Using composite scores results in the identification of more strengths and weaknesses because composite scores are more reliable.
• The analyses identify both intra-individual (within examinee) and bell curve strengths and weaknesses. This information allows the examiner to determine the severity of the weaknesses.
• The option of entering any subtests and composites not already built into the PPA’s dropdown menus. This means there are no restrictions on the assessment battery the practitioner wants to select.
• The PPA allows for a broader and more SLD specific assessment because it includes more than the traditional CHC broad abilities. For example, it also includes executive functions, orthographic processing, phonological processing, and attention.
• The PPA checks for consistency (low scores with low scores) between cognitive weaknesses and potential SLD areas, thus helping the practitioner understand why the examinee has serious learning problems and also providing more support for an SLD diagnosis.
• All of the broader and deeper analyses conducted by the PPA not only answer the “why” questions but lead to better ideas for recommendations and intervention programming.
• The option of allowing a cognitive composite or IQ instead of the mean of the scores as a predictor allows more accurate identification of strengths and weaknesses and makes the PPA legally defensible.