We are students in an undergraduate program for multicategorical certification. We are confused about whether formal assessment such as the Woodcock Johnson really helps teachers figure out what to do with the students in their classes. We hear differing opinions from some of our professors. What do you, the real experts, think? Thanks.
Well, yes and no. We use the Woodcock for eligibility for services and to get an overall picture of where the child is functioning. This is one way to gather information on a child. Observations and informal assessments are also used.
A test is only one insight to compare the child to where the is expected to be compared to others. I need to have the numbers to determine if there is a discrepancy between the IQ and performance on the Woodcock along with observations from the team.
If for example I find that a 6th grader reads on a 2.5 grade level on the Woodcock then I’d do a Brigance starting at that level to come up with an objective for accountability purposes per my distict requirement. I use other tests to assess the kid once placed in my room. I will take my own writing sample, own math test, own decoding test. The Woodcock is just one snapshot of the child of many.
The Woodcock gives me a starting point for my own tests. I make my tests short and sweet and try to get right down to business asap. We have to write objectives. I might have 2 objectives per subject taught for the IEP but I teach a ton more, I just don’t waste my time documenting it in the IEP format.
Once you get some experience under your belt you can assess without fancy tests. For example, one of my state standards is FOrmal Writings such as “letter writing” So I might cut up a poster of a friendly letter and put magnets on the back. I’ll ask the child to put the letter in the correct order and label the parts with dry erase marker insteac of a fill in the bubble type test. There are lots of ways to find out if kids get it, then I will ask the kid to write a letter.
I actually try not to look too closely at some of the scores. Sometimes if you look at a low IQ, you might have lower expectations. If the kid can’t read, I teach him to read. If I can’t reach the kid, I dig into the file. I try not to find out who is a behavior problem for the same reason. I like to give everyone a fair clean slate so to speak.
THese tests have their purposes but I don’t weigh too much on any one test.
Michelle