Cognitive Developmental Interventions in the Classroom

Cognition relates to the way people think, process and understand information, and proceed to solve problems. Overall cognition is linked to a person's level of intelligence. Cognitive development starts in infancy and continues throughout childhood. School-age children are often assessed by teachers who may initiate the intervention process if a child's cognitive abilities are not developing normally.

Identifying Concerns

• Cognitive developmental problems are often initially detected by a teacher. Using information about the stages of a child's cognitive development, over time, teachers can tell if a child may be having cognitive developmental problems. The school psychologist, with the permission of the child's parents, can conduct an assessment using an IQ test. The Wechsler Scales is most likely used for school-age children as it is used with children starting at age 4-1/2.

Helping Children

• Once a cognitive developmental problem is identified, the school psychologist suggests an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). As the name suggests, the IEP is an individualized plan to give the child a more personalized education to meets his needs. The IEP consists of specific areas that needs to be addressed within the child's education and measures that will be taken to address the issues. Based on progress, updates are made to the IEP.

Educating Children

• Depending on the severity of the cognitive problem, the child may stay in a regular class setting with children without developmental problems, or be placed in a special education classroom with others who also have developmental issues. If the child stays in a normal setting, she may meet with a specialist at specific times each week to address noted issues within the IEP. In a special education setting, a group approach may be used.

Using Teamwork

• Cognitive developmental interventions in the classroom are mandated by law to have a team of people participating in a child's IEP. Some team members include parents, teachers, an individual who can interpret what the child's evaluation results mean, a school system representative and the student, if appropriate. Some services that can be covered in an IEP are medical services, parent counseling and training, psychological services and social work services in school.