If you are interested in learning more about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard can assist school psychologists in creating more parent-friendly reports, then this is the blog for you. Keep reading for several strategies for making complex assessment results easier for families to understand.
Use Specific AI Prompts for Clarity
One of the simplest ways to improve the readability of reports is by using tailored AI prompts. By instructing AI to “act as a school psychologist and edit the following” or “make this more parent-friendly,” school psychologists can transform jargon-heavy sentences into easier-to-understand language. For instance, a technical sentence like “Auditory processing consists of the processes involved in perceiving, analyzing, synthesizing, and discriminating speech and other auditory stimuli” can be simplified to better serve parents.
Eligibility and Services
To qualify for an IEP, a student must have one of the 13 disabilities specified in the IDEA, and this condition must adversely impact their performance in the classroom. In contrast, a 504 Plan is designed for students who have a disability that affects their ability to learn in a general education setting but does not require specialized instruction. Instead, a 504 Plan provides accommodations, like extended time on tests, that help support the student.
Focus on the Right Readability Level
When explaining assessment results, it’s important to write at an 8th-grade reading level. This doesn’t mean simplifying the content too much but ensuring that families with varying educational backgrounds can grasp the key information. AI can assist by rephrasing explanations at this level, making terms like “fluid reasoning” or “auditory processing” more accessible. Prompts such as “Explain fluid reasoning at an 8th-grade reading level” help tailor content to the right audience.
Leverage AI for Recommendations and Educational Impact Examples
AI can be particularly useful for drafting examples of how certain cognitive skills or deficits may affect students in the classroom. Using prompts like “Provide an example of how a fluid reasoning deficit could impact a student’s academic performance,” school psychologists can generate real-life scenarios that help parents understand how cognitive weaknesses might manifest in their child’s learning. This approach ensures that written reports and verbal explanations during meetings are clearer and more relevant to parents.
Ready to make your reports more parent-friendly with AI? Join the Prepared School Psych community for free for 2 weeks and access exclusive AI resources, tech tips, and more. Use the code “BLOG” to unlock your free trial and start simplifying your reports today! Don’t miss out—sign up now and see how AI can support your work as a school psychologist.
