After interviewing Ethan and his mom and conducting tests, the evaluator completed the following evaluation summary.

Evaluation Summary

Ethan's teachers describe him as "charming." Despite his enthusiasm and interest in school subjects, Ethan was observed to perform poorly academically. Because of his high verbal skills, it was presumed that Ethan "wasn't trying" or was "being lazy." Ethan was frustrated and embarrassed about his struggles, especially when he compared himself to his younger brother, who got high marks without trying. He didn't understand why he struggled. He always worried about being "dumb."

Ethan began to manufacture excuses to avoid homework and charm friends into helping him with it. He also relied on humor to deflect attention from mistakes.

Because of his winning personality, Ethan could hide his struggles for years. Eventually, though, the battle showed up in physical symptoms. Ethan began to complain about chronic stomach pain. A visit to the doctor revealed a bleeding ulcer. After Ethan shared his academic challenges, the doctor recommended testing to rule out the possibility of a learning disability.

Ethan was resistant to the evaluation and talked with his coach about it. The coach explained that many "smart" people live with learning disabilities and that technology can make learning easier and more fun. That idea intrigued Ethan, and he eventually said yes to the evaluation.

Testing revealed that Ethan has above-average intelligence but low academic achievement due to deficits in receptive language (dyslexia) and expressive language (dysgraphia). Testing also revealed an auditory processing disorder and anxiety.

This evaluator suggested that Ethan use audio versions of his textbooks and a screen reader app on his computer to voice the words of written assignments. I explained that his reading comprehension and confidence would improve by simultaneously reading and hearing the words in his texts and assignments. I further explained that he could use a dictation app to dictate his thoughts and help him write his class papers. Lastly, I suggested Ethan would better absorb information in class if he used a transcription app on his iPhone to record class lectures, transcribe them into notes, and highlight keywords.

After learning that Ethan uses an iPhone and has an iPad, this evaluator recommended the following IOS-compatible accommodations:

1. Membership with Bookshare so that Ethan can get his textbooks on tape
2. Screen-reading app Voice Dream Reader to help Ethan access printed documents like assignments
3. Voice dictation app Voice Dream Writer to help Ethan complete written work
4. Transcription app Otter ai to transcribe class lecture notes or employer's instructions

With these assistive technology tools on board, this evaluator believes that Ethan will experience improved learning and relief from anxiety, which, in turn, could reduce or eliminate his ulcers.

Finally, I suggested Ethan consider applying to VR for help with disability adjustment and specialized career guidance. Ethan informed me that his coach recommended VR, too, and that he'd already applied to the program. Ethan shook his head and smiled, "Coach always knows."

Pre-ETS Trail to Success Checklist: Input and save the information gathered about Ethan's recommended accommodations on his Pre-ETS Checklist.