Final answer:
To determine a 14-year-old's cognitive development level, the school nurse would evaluate cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and reasoning. Tests and observations inform the assessment, helping to provide appropriate educational support.
Step-by-step explanation:
To conclude that a 14-year-old student has reached an expected level of cognitive development, the school nurse likely assessed various cognitive abilities. Among these are attention, memory, processing speed, organization, judgment, and the ability to understand and apply logic to concrete information. It's during adolescence that individuals develop the capability to think more abstractly and to process complex ideas, as highlighted by cognitive developmental stages proposed by psychologists such as Piaget. The formal operational stage of development, for example, begins around age 11 and involves the development of higher-level cognitive functions like abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking, which continue to expand into the early 20s.
In Genie's case, psychologists examined her language acquisition at a late developmental stage, which differed drastically from the norm due to her unique circumstances. Her situation showed the impact of developmental timing on cognitive skills. Assessment in schools often includes consideration of various factors, but cognitive abilities remain a core focus and can be evaluated through standardized tests, observation of classroom performance, and cognitive screenings. The nurse's assessment is part of ensuring that students like Genie receive appropriate educational support and interventions, tailored to their individual cognitive development.