Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment WISC-IV Before Six?

Hi All,

This is my first time posting. I've spent a few hours perusing the board trying to find an answer to my question(s), but didn't see anything, so here I go.

It seems that I read somewhere that for children who score 18 or 19 in some categories that there is some type of extension to get a more accurate measure of their abilities in that category. Is this correct?

(Edited: numbers removed)

Thank you so much for answering my questions, and for doing it so clearly. All questions have been answered (for now).

Those are great results. The tester was right that he'd probably be bored by the other one, he reached enough ceilings on this one as it is.

May I ask why you tested and why didn't tester suggest waiting those 5 weeks?

Those verbal/GAI scores qualify for the Davidson YSP. Did you do or consider doing achievement testing as well?

I can see people question the legitimacy, but the tester could probably make a good point for the use of WISC on the written report.

The short answer is that we were really taking things casually and didn't know what we were dealing with initially.

just curious, but if the test was given again in five weeks when he is six, would it then be "legit" results or is there some kind of rule about being tested so close together? i am curious about this because i've considered having my daughter re-tested and not sure if there is a time period that needs to be considered between tests.
irene

I think the rule of thumb is one year (if you're using the same test.)

My son was tested at 5 years 8 mos (4 mos shy of 6). The psychologist who did our testing used the SB-V, even though he prefers the WISC-IV, because ds wasn't yet 6 years old. He also respectfully requested that if I ever had him tested by anyone else before a year had passed, to let the new tester know ds had already taken teh SB-V. In other words, he'd question the validity if the same test was given within a year. I don't know about you, but my ds would announce it anyway, and he would certainly recognize it! LOL

Absolutely! "Oh, I did this test last month, and then my mommy purchased it on the black market... and then worked with me at home in hopes that I would do better next time --Sir." LOL Nope. Nothing like that is going to be able to occur in our family.

Wow! That is some story.. to just have gone to do the test like that. I am really glad he did a good job even it was later in the day, and now you are certainly more "enlightened". Even if you continue to homeschool, knowing what he is capable of will be useful.

Again, you might look into the Young Scholars Program. Dd just got accepted, so we haven't been "inside" yet, but I understand that you could connect with other families of very gifted kids who are also homeschooling.