Professional Documents
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Birchall1-Background Information-Oct 16-2014-Final
Birchall1-Background Information-Oct 16-2014-Final
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Kirstens background information was obtained from family and school history questionnaires and an
interview with Kirstens mother and teacher.
Lindsay Birchall
Learning Task #1 Clinical Interview and Background Information
EDPS 660 Social, Emotional and Behavioural Assessment
mother often argue about her participation in family activities, her relationship with her boyfriend, and
her commitment to school. These arguments often end with Kirsten going to her room. Her mother
stated there is no point in fighting with her anymore; she is impossible to motivate and she just does what
she wants anyways. Mrs. Thomas expressed the most difficult part about raising Kirsten has been getting
her interested and motivated in tasks and activities. The family has a daily routine consisting of
scheduled time for homework and family meals. Kirstens household chores include keeping her room
clean, doing her own laundry and occasionally mowing the lawn. However, when Kirsten procrastinates,
Mrs. Thomas reported that she will often do Kirstens chores for her. Kirsten requires multiple reminders
to complete any task, which is frustrating for Mrs. Thomas; this causes tension and arguments between
them.
Her parents reported they do not have any academic concerns for Kirsten. Mrs. Thomas expressed that
Kirsten does not like school and often pretends she is sick so she can stay home. Her mother explained
that Kirsten doesnt enjoy school because she lacks motivation, organization, time management and study
skills. Although Kirsten gets along with her teachers, Mrs. Thomas reported that Kirsten is not interested
in making friends and describes her as an introvert. Both the school and Kirstens mother identified that
Kirsten is generally respectful with adults, but, during conversations she often interrupts, talks too loud or
doesnt pay attention to what the other person is saying.
In general, Kirsten is quiet and reserved. She enjoys babysitting, which has been her part time job for the
past year. Kirsten has been teaching younger students in her school to draw and paint, which she does
during her lunch hour. Her teacher reported that Kirsten enjoys helping younger children. Mrs. Thomas
noted that Kirsten wants to become an art teacher after high school.
Educational History
Lindsay Birchall
Learning Task #1 Clinical Interview and Background Information
EDPS 660 Social, Emotional and Behavioural Assessment
Kirsten is achieving marks within grade appropriate expectations at school. However, her teacher is
concerned with the level of support Kirsten requires to achieve her current grades, and worries that the
expectations of increased self-directed learning in high school may cause Kirsten to fall behind.
Kirstens teacher reported that she often has to repeat instructions for Kirsten and direct her back to task.
Kirsten requires additional time to complete classroom work and usually has to finish assignments at
home. Her teacher expressed that Kirsten does not listen to instructions and is often daydreaming
during lessons. Kirsten often fails to hand assignments in on time and is frequently unprepared for class.
Kirstens teacher reported that when she calls upon Kirsten to participate in classroom lessons, Kirsten is
often unaware of the topic being discussed. Within group projects her classmates have expressed
frustration with Kirstens effort and time management. Recently, her teacher and her mother both
reported Kirsten has had difficulty initiating large school projects; on a recent science fair project Kirsten
received an incomplete. Her teacher confirms that Kirsten does not have many friends and she often
avoids social situations at school. Kirsten rarely attends gym class and may have to repeat her grade 9
gym credit. Kirsten is excelling in Art.
On occasion, Kirstens teachers have kept her after school to complete her assignments, as a consequence
for not finishing her school work in class. Her teacher reported she has encouraged Kirsten to make task
lists, to help her stay on track in the classroom. Kirsten is expected to sit at the front of the classroom
where she can pay better attention. Regrettably, Kirstens mother reported being unable to attend the last 2
scheduled parent/teacher interviews.