Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment How do you know which test(s)

should be requested? I'm reading all these posts about all the different tests (some I've never heard of) and I'm wondering how does one know which tests might be beneficial.

We're relatively new to this - DS8 tested into the gifted program in K (Naglieri, I think) and we didn't think too much more about it. Since we've moved to a new state, a more thorough evaluation was done thru the school system and he's been given the WISC-IV and WIAT and he scored pretty well (at least that's what I gathered from folks here, LOL).

The tester did tell us that she feels DS might have scored higher were it not for some energetic/distractible behaviors. We're getting ready to PCS again and I'm hoping that the testing from here will suffice and the recommended grade skip will be accepted at the new school. I'm doing a lot of reading and trying to make sure that we're knowledgeable about all of this so we can properly advocate for DS and get him what he needs.

So my question is, how do you know when to request initial/additional testing and what tests/evaluations to request? Is the testing that DS took pretty standard and sufficient enough? I'm not sure I agree with the dealing of the behaviors during testing and wonder if they really did impact the assessment. If his scores were 'good enough', should I worry that they *may* not be entirely accurate? My only concern in all of this, is making sure DS is happy and well-adjusted while providing what he needs academically, which in turn, affects the happy and well-adjusted part, kwim? We've always let the school lead the way and now having been in two states and getting ready to try a third, we see the definite differences in the systems. We want to take a more proactive approach now that we have an idea of what we're dealing with.

I'd appreciate any input/advice. Thanks.

If his scores are good enough for the school then there really isn't any reason for additional testing. Most of the folks on here use above level tests such as SCAT or Explore to make sure that their kiddo's continue to move forward.

I always recommend testing when you have a question that you want/need to have answered. If you know what you need to know, then don't spend the money on testing. (But "Is s/he making progress" is definitely one such question. Periodic testing is definitely in our kids' futures for that reason.)

The other reason to test (IMHO) is if there's a program you think your child might like/be able to use. DYS, CTY, etc. If scores are required, then you'll do the testing.

FWIW...

Dittos. If you have scores to talk turkey with a school (or in my mood today talk to the turkeys at school) and the scores aren't over two years... skip it. I also think if anyone is approaching a school about testing get educated on all... and ask what they'll use then toss in your two cents why one test over another if you don't think the choice is appropriate for some research reason.

Wait don't listen to me - you said proactive... I'm a member of the head in the sand school... being educated and proactive can just be too frustrating :-)