I am wondering if my son, age 5.7, is close to the ceiling of the WPPSI-III (see scores below) and if I should pursue further evaluation. If so, what test(s) would you recommend?

Verbal: 127 (96th percentile)
Performance: 133 (99th percentile)
Ful Scale: 130 (98th percentile)

Thanks in advance for your input... I'm glad to be part of this group!

Almost six may be too old for an accurate gifted evaluation using the WPPSI-III.
It seems kind of equivalent to a grade level test versus an above level test. That 130 achieved by 100 same aged kids, near the highest age eligibility, would probably fan out quite a bit given a higher ceiling.

What would you recommend as "the next step" in assessing him?

If you want more information, you could retest him on the WISC-IV once he turns six.

Thank you so much for this information. I did not get a test breakdown, but will request it. No, we have not done any achievement testing yet.

Also go with your gut. Did the child maintain interest throughout testing?

I agree with the 140+ assessment by a previous poster. One of ours had ceilinged 6 subtests. The child didn't meet the stop criteria, but there were no more questions.

If in doubt get an achievement test. The achievement test backed up that the WIPPSI was a gross underestimation.

We did the WISC IV at almost eight years, and got confirmation of what we suspected.

Dottie,

Are you saying that several 16/17's may need a closer look on the WISC IV? Just curious. :-)

I hope you don't mind me butting in, but what if a child has one subtest at 18 but the rest are in the 15 / 16 area...

Thanks Dottie, You answered my question wonderfully. We have a bunch of 16's, 17's, a 19 and one wildly random 14 on Comprehension (WISC IV) but I read in a different thread that comprehension questions are more open-ended and if the child was not inclined to elaborate then it can effect this score. I just get the feeling (knowing my son) that by the time they were into the questions in the 16 & 17 range he was already itching to get out of there and go home. All in all it doesn't really matter as a score is a score is a score and in the end it is just another clue on the way to finding out the best learning situation/level for your child.
Thanks for the answer!

Okay, I received my son's test breakdown for the WPPSI-III:

Verbal
IN=16
VC=12
WR=15

Performance
BD=16
MR=16
PCn=14

Pr. Spd.
CD=11

I guess this tells me that I don't need to be in a hurry to get him retested. Do you agree? I suppose I should just follow up with the WISC-IV after he turns six in the spring. Do you think a young six is the best time to do that test, or is there a better age? I appreciate any input/suggestions. Thanks!!

P.S. eamsnova: Yes, my son did maintain interest throughout the test. He was very enthusiastic and seemed to be really enjoying himself. I think he would have continued for another hour if they let him! He has a tremendous ability to focus and also thrives on the one-on-one interaction.

I plan to do an achievement test at the end of 1st grade, right around his 7th birthday, since we homeschool and have to send that in to the school superintendent with our notification for the following year.

P.S. Dottie, I empathize with "crazy busy"! God bless you, and don't forget to sleep once in a while! (: