Test interpretation

Tinsely and Bradley Article

               In reading this article it was very relatable to both my experiences and my expectations as a school counselor. I like that they specifically outlined methods of delivery and interpretation. As I am working on learning how best to administer assessments and relay the interpret results I am finding this article to be more and more like a foundation I look to for support. I felt very personally linked to the minimizing defensive reactions section of this article. I can remember both times I have been assessed and I had two different experiences with the counselor delivery. The first time I was 8, and even though I still cried the whole way home I remember thinking that Dr. Blackbird was really nice to me even though I felt really stupid after taking the intelligence battery. The second exposure I had was less sensitive and I was feeling cognitively assaulted as I left that re-evaluation session. I think that this experience will only aid me in the future in approaching result explaining with hopefully ultimate sensitivity towards my clients.

               I also really loved that this article seemed to be more solution focused in allowing the counselor to step away from the title of being the “bearer of bad news” and instead aiding the client in understanding and supervision their own interpretation of what the results will mean to them as students and people. Allowing clients to be in the here and now moments of interpreting the results will offer them the fantastic opportunity to not only receive information about themselves but to delve- if they want to- into learning more about themselves. This is a fantastic opportunity to be a responsible reliable guide to attempt to better ensure that students are gaining the most that they can from the assessment and interpretation sessions. I strongly feel that if a client requests to be able to see their test profile to be able to have a better understanding of where their natural deficit areas may be they should be allowed to do so. Not without supervision of course- but I feel my experience with being re-evaluated would have been a better experience if I would have had time to process what happened and where I tend to naturally struggle. Instead the test concluded and I was left with a lot of confusion, frustration and bitterness which has extended till today. Hopefully the tart taste that has been left in my mouth will ensure that I as a future counselor will do my absolute best to make sure others do not have my experience. 

Drummond, R.J. & Jones, K. (2010). Assessment procedures for counselors and helping professionals ( 7^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Tinsley, H.E.A. & Bradley, R.W. (1986). Testing the test: Test interpretation. Journal of Counseling and Development, 64, 462-466.