Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Ability?

I got a call from the school psychologist this morning, asking permission to test DS5(almost 6) as part of his annual testing for his IEP (he gets speech and OT from the school). I guess in kindergarten they like the testing to be rather comprehensive. She wanted to do the Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Ability. I had thought WJ only did achievement testing, so I have no familiarity with this test. How does it compare to the WISC for info? She said it had fewer subtests, and that it would be easier to compare to the WJ achievement testing because the norms are the same group or something like that... She also mentioned there were extra subtests she could choose to do.

Fortunately he was in a relatively good mood this morning, so I said yes. Still, he's very introverted and might not be cooperative, so I'm going to take this test with a huge grain of salt, even though I'm very curious about what it will show. I'm still thinking of doing private testing but not for another year. He's probably gifted but with possible LDs - or maybe he's just a late bloomer (when I compare him to DD7, whom we already had tested). She is aware that this might take more than one meeting but she's only at the school two days per month (which is why I didn't even know about her). I wonder, if the test occurs on more than one day, and say the next day is next month, which one do they use for the norm? Or could they just use a different norm for the different subsections? Just thinking out loud - it's been a crazy morning so I don't know if I'm making any sense. Any experiences with this test? I guess I should be thankful that it's one-on-one.

My son was given this test at 5. I don't know how many subtests there actually are. He was given 2. Fluid reasoning and Concept formation. The test seems to be about rules governing relationships in abstracts. Both of these test fall under the heading of Critical Thinking.

Thanks ladies, I appreciate your thoughts. It sounds like the test might pick up LD issues (which is the purpose of him taking it anyway, as part of the IEP process) but not necessarily be a good measure of IQ (too bad, I guess I was hoping for a freebee LOL). I guess then the only qualm I have about this process is the unlikely situation in which he'd apply to the district's full-time gifted program in a couple years - this score will be part of his record. Ultimately though, that program is not so good for 2E kids and has extremely stringent requirements about staying two grade levels ahead in every subject (or at least that's how I read the handbook), and I imagine we'll stick with the montessori anyway, at least until middle school. You don't suppose a score from K could be considered for entrance to the middle school gifted program? hmmmm...

thanks again