edco 534 assessment powerpoint

WISC-IV :

WISC- IV The Wechsler Intelligence Scales are a series of standardized tests used to evaluate cognitive abilities and intellectual abilities in children and adults. The current version of the test, the WISC- IV, which was released in 2003, is composed of 10 core subtests and five supplemental subtests, with the 10 core subtests comprising the Full Scale IQ.

Purpose:

Purpose WISC-IV determines a child's intellectual capabilities. It is frequently used to diagnose ADD or ADHD. The test helps to assess gifted children. The WISC-IV test indices are verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. The subtests allow precise modeling of a child's intellectual abilities and readiness for learning.

Scores:

Scores Pearson Education which sells the Wechsler testing products also scores the tests. The clinical data which the tests provide helps the admissions staff develop a complete understanding of your child's intellectual strengths and weaknesses. There are four index scores representing major components of intelligence: Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) Working Memory Index (WMI) Processing Speed Index (PSI) Two broad scores are also generated, which can be used to summarize general intellectual abilities: Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), based on the total combined performance of the VCI, PRI, WMI, and PSI General Ability Index (GAI), based only on the six subtests that comprise the VCI and PRI

Basics:

Basics Administration: Paper-and- pencil Completion Time: Core subtests: 60-90 minutes Scores: FSIQ, Index Scores, and Subtest Scaled Scores Scoring Options: Scoring Assistant® software, Report Writer™ software, or hand scoring Report Options: Score, Client, and Interpretive Publication Date: 2003 Ages / Grades: Children 6 - 16 Norms: Scaled Scores by age, Index Scores, Full-Scale IQ

Slide 5:

WISC IV Test Review Form http ://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b174/ Jenro_ski / surveyassess.jpg

How is it administered?:

How is it administered? Intelligence testing requires a clinically trained examiner. The Wechsler scales should be administered, scored, and interpreted by a trained professional, preferably a psychologist or psychiatrist. A full scale IQ will first be done. They will look to see if there is a discrepancy between the child’s verbal IQ and their performance IQ. Students with learning disabilities will present with a discrepancy between these two areas . Subtests then will be administered in order to determine the areas of need such as reading comprehension, math computation, and written expression. This will help to assess the area in which the student may have a learning disability. All of the Wechsler scales are divided into six verbal and five performance subtests. The complete test takes 60-90 minutes to administer. Verbal and Performance IQs are scored based on the results of the testing, and then a composite Full Scale IQ score is computed.

Main indexes of the WISC-IV and what they measure :

Main indexes of the WISC-IV and what they measure Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) Measure: Verbal concept formation. It assesses children's ability to listen to a question, draw upon learned information from both formal and informal education, reason through an answer, and express their thoughts aloud. It can tap preferences for verbal information, a difficulty with novel and unexpected situations, or a desire for more time to process information rather than decide "on the spot." Note: This index is a good predictor of readiness for school and achievement orientation, but can be influenced by background, education, and cultural opportunities.

Slide 8:

Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) Measure: Non-verbal and fluid reasoning. It assesses children's ability to examine a problem, draw upon visual-motor and visual-spatial skills, organize their thoughts, create solutions, and then test them. It can also tap preferences for visual information, comfort with novel and unexpected situations, or a preference to learn by doing.

Slide 9:

Working Memory Index (WMI) Measure: Working memory. It assesses children's ability to memorize new information, hold it in short-term memory, concentrate, and manipulate that information to produce some result or reasoning processes. It is important in higher-order thinking, learning, and achievement. It can tap concentration, planning ability, cognitive flexibility, and sequencing skill, but is sensitive to anxiety too. It is an important component of learning and achievement, and ability to self-monitor.

Slide 10:

Processing Speed Index (PSI) Measure: Processing speed. It assesses children's abilities to focus attention and quickly scan, discriminate between, and sequentially order visual information. It requires persistence and planning ability, but is sensitive to motivation, difficulty working under a time pressure, and motor coordination too. Cultural factors seem to have little impact on it.

Standardization:

Standardization The WISC- IV was standardized on a sample of 2,200 people in the United States ranging in age from 16 to 90. The median Full Scale IQ is centered at 100, with a standard deviation of 15 . In a normal distribution, the IQ range of one standard deviation above and below the mean ( i.e , between 85 and 115) is where approximately 68% of all adults would fall.

Strengths:

Strengths The inclusion of the performance section in the Wechsler scales is especially helpful in assessing the cognitive ability of non-native speakers and children with speech and language disorders. The test can be of particular value to school psychologists screening for specific learning disabilities because of the number of specific subtests that make up each section.