Steven enters the school psychologist’s office with a frown, grumbling to himself. His teacher, Ms. Marta, has suggested that he visit the school psychologist for help understanding and treating his academic problems. Steven is a bright fifth grader, but he has great difficulties reading and his mathematics skills lag far behind his peers. Ms. Marta contacts Steven’s mother, reassuring her that the school has excellent resources for diagnosing children’s learning problems and special education professionals who can intervene and help children overcome learning difficulties.The school psychologist interviews Steven’s mother in order to compile a history of Steven’s development. Through this interview he learns that Steven suffered a great deal of trauma early in life; as an

Question

infant he was physically abused by his biological mother, then taken away and placed in foster care. At age 3 he was adopted into a middle class, suburban family with two older, non-adopted, children.As we have seen, each developmental theory has a unique emphasis. How might each theory address Steven’s academic difficulties? Identify contextual factors that may play a role in Steven’s academic problems; fromBronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory, what factors may be addressed?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Answer: These factors would be experiences in his immediate family when he was with his abusive mother and how they are different now. They would also be his experiences in the foster home. Also, factors would include the money that was available to help him when he was younger compared to the money his new parents have to help him. Also, are the new parents educated enough about Steven’s problems to help him properly at home?