Questions clinicians ask

Straight answers on defensibility, formats, access, and support, so you can decide whether Pearson fits your practice.

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Are these tools defensible for IDEA eligibility decisions?

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Yes. Pearson's instruments are normed and validated for the populations you evaluate, and many are standards in school-based and clinical practice. Each one publishes its normative sample, reliability, and validity evidence in its technical manual, so you can document why you chose it and defend the result if an evaluation is questioned. Always confirm that a given instrument matches your referral question and your state's eligibility criteria.

Can I administer digitally, or do I have to use paper?

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Both. Many instruments are available on paper and digitally through Q-global for scoring and reporting, or through Q-interactive for face-to-face administration on iPads. You choose the format that fits each evaluation. Going digital removes hand-scoring steps and the transcription slips that can creep in under time pressure, while paper stays available when that suits the student or setting.

What is the Digital Assessment Library for Schools (DALS)?

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DALS is Pearson's primary digital product for schools. It gives your team curated, organized access to the assessment portfolio in one place, so you find what you need without searching across separate catalogs. Administrators manage access at the school or district level, which makes procurement and onboarding simpler for everyone who evaluates students.

Will digital scoring really save me time on a heavy caseload?

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That is what it is designed to do. Scoring and reporting through Q-global generate results in minutes rather than after a round of hand-scoring, and Q-interactive captures responses as you go. We are confirming exact time-savings figures with Pearson Clinical Research before we publish them, and the design intent is to give you back hours for clinical thinking and report writing.

How do I stay current with new instruments and best practice?

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Pearson offers training, certification, and continuing education for its assessment tools, so you can administer, score, and interpret each instrument the way it was designed to be used. New and revised tools come with guidance on what changed and why, and our support resources walk you through Q-global, Q-interactive, and DALS. You'll find the full list in the resources below.

Who on my team can use these assessments?

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Pearson assessments are intended for qualified professionals within their scope of practice and training, including school psychologists, school counselors, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. Each instrument carries qualification requirements that define who may purchase and administer it. If you're not sure whether one matches your role, talk to a specialist before you buy.