[Educational evaluation].

Normative scores are important when reporting the results of a formal evaluation for learning problems. They are useful in comparing a student to his own age or grade peers and to illustrate his own learning strengths and weaknesses. However, including the reports from multiple sources can be invaluable in validating and communicating the information to others. The comments from parents, teachers, and others who have observed the child in different settings helps to corroborate the results of the formal testing performance. Describing the student with his own words and actions can also be an effective means to illustrate the struggle he is having every day in the classroom. If those who have or will be working with the student see their own comments amidst others with similar observations, it helps to show how their thoughts and observations compare with others. It may help the team members to see a common purpose of making positive changes in that student’s life.