Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Which test, which tester?

I am finally getting around to getting achievement tests for my DS8 in order to (hopefully) get him into DYS - his application is in limbo waiting for achievement tests results. I have two options for testers, each gives a different test.

The first option is a local psycologist who would admiister the WIAT II. I spoke with her to get an idea of how experienced she is with gifted children. It is not her focus, but I did get a good feeling about her overall. She mentioned that she understood that although the tests are set up to be objective, the tester does have some influence on the outcome.

The second option is with the Center for the Gifted in Philadlephia, listed on Hoagies. They would give the WJ III test. The reason I called the local tester was that the wait time for the Center for the Gifted was at least six months to a year, and the clock is ticking on our DYS application (I really don't want to have to redo the application if I can help it.) It turns out that they can fit him in the Monday after Easter, which would work great since he is off from school that day.

The other piece of informaiton is that the Center for the Gifted's price is about $225 higher than the local person, which is enough to keep this from being an easy choice.

I am terrible at making decisions and would love some input with those who are familiar with the tests and with the process.

I'd go with the local tester because of the cost & wait time. If the results seem off you could test again with the Center. Just my 2 cents.

My kids did WPPSI and WJ-III with a nice pleasant psychologist who doesn't specialized in gifted children. The wait for the appointment for short, the report came quickly. She was a pleasure to work with.

DS5 took a SBV with a psychologist who tests lots of gifted children. I wasn't that impressed with her. It took forever to get the results, even longer to get her correct some of the details (like consistent spelling of DS name). There were a few more glitches. I was far from being impressed by her.

If you feel comfortable with the local tester than do it. It may also put less stress on DS8 than traveling (not sure how far you live) and all that involved.