Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment WISC results at last - Help Please!!

Ok at last we have got a EP's report with WISC IV. Cian - our boy - is 9 yrs 6 months

Verbal Comprehension:
Similarities 17
Vocab 15
Comp 13

Perception
Block 12
Picture 13
Matrix 10

Working Memory
Digit Span 9
Letter 9

Processing
Coding 12
Symbol search 10

Composite
VC 130
Perception 110
W/Memory 94
Processing 106

Now what does it mean? My boy has a problem with his working memory which manifests itself as a lack of attention. The EP says that he operates verbally off the scale for the test, and she would place him at 6th form level in the UK (aged 17/18). The mismatch - does he have a problem that needs investigating further, or will more testing cause more harm than good. What would we look at anyway - the EP awaits our reply as to what we want to do next

Please advise

Hi Dottie,

It seems you are the test guru! My question is, based on the following scores, can the public school, with no GT programs meet his needs or should I really be looking elsewhere? I hope you don't mind my asking.

DS 8yr 2 mos.

VC

Information 16
Similarities 16
Vocabulary 19 (hit ceiling I am told)
Comprehension 13

PR

Picture Concepts 16
Picture Completion 10
Block Design 14
Matrix Reasoning 15

Working Memory

Digit Span 11
Sequencing 14
Arithmetic 12

Processing Speed

Coding 12
Symbol Search 13


Achievement Scores

Word Reading 145 99.9%
Comprehension 145 99.9%
Spelling 141 99.7%
Math Computation 119 90%

Although I will have to say that in my opinion math achievement is accurate it does not reflect his ability to learn math as I have yet to show him any concept that he didn't understand without any need for repetition. So this is simply a matter of exposure, no? I have been reluctant to do math with him at home as he is already ahead. The reading etc. I can't stop (nor would I)

I appreciate any input you might have. My son is struggling socially in school, not relating well and I also feel he is not learning the value of effort.

Thank you!

Yes, sorry forgot to note it...FSIQ 132 with GAI of 140. I am sure there are other bright kids in the schools and know of a few but they do not do ability grouping here.
I appreciate your reply. I have four children and they are all very good students but this one has been a bit different and also experiencing other issues (looking at ADHD/BiPolar/Depression) that drove me to do the testing. Then once I had the results I was uncertain about how to proceed in my advocating. Before I ask the school district to try and meet his needs I want to have an idea about what they are myself. Thank you aain for your input!

Breakwaway - were those the only achievement tests given?

Yes, Dazed and Confused they were the only ones given. After reading Dottie's advice I pulled out and reread the total assessment and the Psychologist's notes:

"Throughout the assessment he engaged in nonstop movement, often played with test materials and was quite fidgety. His showed a high degree of impulsivity, poor attention span but also good planning abilities and at times very intense concentration. His impulsivity and inattentiveness sometimes interfered with his ability to show his best abilities."

So how much of that came into play I don't know. It is one reason why I wonder if I should have him retested with someone familiar with G/HG kids as well as 2E although we do not have a definitive diagnosis in regards to the 2E. It is the behavior issues I am most concerned about but if they are exacerbated by his intellectual needs (and/or lack of access to intellectual peers) then I need to work on changing that as well. He does really well one-on-one with adults and really enjoys that type of attention but that isn't a solution to learning to get along in life.

Hey, breakaway, you've hi-jacked my post! :-)

LOL, sorry. Your phrase "now what does it mean?" rung a bell! I hope you are getting info. that you need. Nice to have a place to come and ask and share isn't it?
Looks like we have a couple of highly verbal kids. We will make 'em pen pals! ;-)

I agree with Dottie, that these results are just one part of the puzzle. When my daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability (a visual/motor integration problem), she was given an IQ test and achievement testing to determine if there was a disparity between her native abilities and her performance. She was also given some specific diagnostic testing in her areas of weakness to try to pinpoint the problem.

If you have seen attention problems in school or at home and you or his teachers are concerned, I think it bears investigating. What harm are you concerned about regarding additional testing? Did your son seem stressed by the IQ test? Both my kids have had testing, and I don't think testing itself is harmful. A good tester puts children at ease and praises them for their performance and effort. I think my kids actually enjoyed having the undivided attention of an adult

Have you talked to the educational psychologist about your concerns about your son's working memory scores and attention issues? Did the psychologist recommend additional testing? The psychologist should be able to tell you what type of testing could be used to investigate these issues and how much time and expense would be involved.

Cathy
You have raised a valid point. At this moment we are 'digesting' the report with a view to havinga Q&A with the EP early next week and what you say rings true.
Thanks for your interest
Paul

Well, I like to have as much information as possible to help me make educational decisions for my kids...I suppose that's why we opted to do testing in the first place.

Information doesn't change who your child is, but it can help you understand him better, nurture his strengths and shore up his weaknesses.