Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Please help me understand

Dh and I recently had our daughter 8-9 tested using the WISC IV and the WIAT II. How should we interpret these scores:

WISC IV

Similarities - Scaled 17, PR 99
Vocab - Scaled 13, PR 84
Comp - Scaled 12, PR 75

Block Design - Scaled 11, PR 63
Picture Concepts - Scaled 13, PR 84
Matrix - Scaled 15, PR 95

Digit Span - Scaled 15, PR 95
Letter-Numb Seq - Scaled 13, PR 84

Coding - Scaled 9, PR 37
Symbol Search - Scaled 11, PR 63

VCI = 124
PRI = 119
WMI = 123
PSI = 100
FSIQ = 122

WIAT-II

Word Reading 118, PR 88
Reading Comp 143, PR 99.8
Pseudoword Decoding 114, PR 82
Numerical Operations 125, PR 95
Math Reasoning 122, PR 93
Spelling 111, PR 77

Reading Composite 135, PR 99
Math Composite 128, PR 97

I understand the above WISC composite is in the superior range but obviously not gifted, which is where we thought she would fall. We've always known she was a great reader but she really leads the class in most areas. Recently she has really started to complain about the pace of her class (too slow!). What I'm having trouble understanding is how can someone achieve higher than their predicted ability?

We are accepting the scores as they are, just trying to get a feel for meeting her educationally.

TIA

I would suggest posting this with Need Help w/ WISC IV test scores

Well, the tester can play a big part in testing outcome. For instance, my DS6 is very quick to say "I don't know" then 10sec later tells you the answer. Most testers would take his "I don't know" and end the test. His score would come out quite average I believe. My older son gave very short answer questions. I heard the tester said "Tell me more" and then DS would rattle off a answer.

We always say go w/ your gut. Sometimes your gut is wrong but more often than not, it's right. Was the tester experienced in testing gifted kids? How did DD feel about the test? Did she connect w/ the tester?

Also, schools play a large role. A kid w/ a FSIQ of 125 can be just as bored in a classroom teaching at 50th% or below, as a kid w/ a 140IQ in a classroom teaching to the 120s.

I'm not as knowledgeable about testing as others here so take what say w/ a grain of salt lol but that's my take on it anyway. If you have the money, perhaps have her retested on the SBV.

Dazey

It's good you posted here, because there are contributors who understand testing backwards and forwards.

I am NOT one of those people. However, I can share on a personal level...My son had similar scores (FSIQ 123 and GAI 130), and he is unquestionably gifted. A lot of factors influence the testing, so while I respect the process of evaluating intelligence, I don't value it as fool-proof. I would suggest reading Dr. Ruf's book, Losing our Minds, to get an idea of gifted behaviors. The behaviors are divided by predicted IQ levels, so you can gauge where your child would be.

And, of course, follow your intuition as well!

Thanks for your response, everyone.

I agree that these are great scores and honestly it doesn't change how well we believe she functions. I know of Dr. Ruf and have been in contact with her. In fact, we almost had her assessed by Dr. Ruf but we don't live anywhere near her and couldn't justify the expense. Based on Dr. Ruf's levels of giftedness I would clearly label DD as a solid level 3. However, testing just doesn't support this. I have an older son who tested upper 140s (years ago) and we do believe she out paces him so I don't know. I guess I was just hoping for the scores to back up our argument for services at school.