My eighth grade son (Language based learning disability) may be returning to public school in the next few weeks after 2 + years of homeschooling. When he was in public school he had an IEP which we have let lapse. If he returns, they want to retest him for “placement and services.”
He had a WISC III done in second (verbal 95, performance 115) and fifth grade (verbal 105, performance 125). Is it necessary for cognitive skills to be retested?
Any other suggestions? What tests would you recommend?
Re: Recommended tests for eighth grader
It’s pretty standard to run through the whole battery — but you can tell them that if they’re willing to work with old IQ scores, you are too. Though having seen my share of ‘em, there oftn *are* post-remediation changes that can be fascinating. (Then there are the kids that flip flop — have a 25 point spread both times, but in the opposite direction!)
Re: Recommended tests for eighth grader
Have him retested and don’t use IQ scores from fifth grade, especially if you think your child is college-bound and may need accomodations for PSATs and SATs in high school(they require up to date testing); what state are you in, and what services are you looking for?
Re: Recommended tests for eighth grader
Sar,
Why should the Wisc III be repeated? He has maintained a 20 point discrepancy both times he has been tested. (2nd grade Verbal - 95, performance 115, 5th grade Verbal 105, Performance 125) What difference will it make? I honestly don’t see why he should have additional cognitive testing. Can you help me to see something that I can’t understand? This seems excessive to me….but i’ve been wrong before!
(We are in MA and will be able to get the appropriate accommodations.)
Personally, I think I’d just use the last WISC score if they’ll let you. But if you have remediated some of his deficits by homeschooling, then he may not qualify as LD anymore anyway. They will want an achievement test, and I personally think (just an observation) that the WJ-III gives inflated scores, so I’d request the WIAT-II if they have it. He probably should have language testing as well. Any other tests would depend on whether he has specific areas of need.
Janis