The evaluation of the mathematical skills of the child: review and criticizes of available tools

Abstract

The evaluation of a child with mathematical difficulties comprises several important steps: the history interview to identify the child and family complaint, the evaluation of general mathematical abilities with standardized tests to identify mathematic learning difficulties; and the evaluation of basic numerical skills (i.e. processing of quantities presented in the analog, Arabic and oral codes), which is essential to objectify the presence of a numerical cognitive disorder and to diagnose dyscalculia. This evaluation process facilitates the differentiation between children with delay in mathematical development and children with dyscalculia. This article is a critical review of French clinical tools for the assessment of general and basic numerical abilities.