The Foreign Service Journal, December 2013

82 DECEMBER 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT What to Expect on Evaluation Day The amount of time an evaluator spends with a child can vary from several hours on a single occasion to shorter periods of time on multiple occasions. During the evaluation process, parents are often not present in the testing room as the evaluator and child work together. If you are planning on staying during the evaluation period, bring something to keep you occupied, as you will likely be waiting for several hours. Also, your child may take breaks, so ask if they are allowed to bring a snack or if refresh- ments will be offered. This is especially important for children who have food allergies. Here are several suggestions to help prepare for the evaluation, so that your child will be able to perform to his or her true potential. 1. Prepare your child for the testing experience. In an effort to normalize the testing experience, it is helpful to let your child know that many children undergo testing to see how best they learn. With younger children, avoid telling them that they will be playing a bunch of games, as this expectation can lead to disappointment when they discover that they won’t be playing the kinds of games they are accustomed to. Also, the title “doctor” often conjures up thoughts of needles in younger chil- dren, so you may wish to tell your child that they will be working with their own teacher or tutor. With high school and college stu- dents, inform them of the process and encourage them to be involved. The more involved they are in the process, The feedback session provides you an opportunity not only to hear the results, but ask questions.