An Explanation of Wechsler Intelligence Tests

An Explanation of Wechsler Intelligence Tests The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is an intelligence test which determines an individual childs  IQ, or intelligence quotient. It was developed by Dr. David Wechsler (1896-1981), who was the chief psychologist of New York Citys Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. The test that is typically administered today is the 2014 revision of the test that was originally devised in 1949. It is known as WISC-V. Over the years, the WISC test has been updated several times, each time changing the name to represent the proper edition of the test. At times, some institutions will still utilize older versions of the test. In the latest WISC-V, there are new and separate Visual Spatial and Fluid Reasoning index scores, as well as  new measures of the following skills: Visual spatial abilityQuantitative fluid reasoningVisual working memoryRapid automatized naming/naming facilityVisual-verbal associative memory Dr. Wechsler developed two other commonly used intelligence tests: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI). WPPSI is designed to assess children aged 3 to 7 years and 3 months. The WISC essentially outlines  students intellectual strengths and weaknesses and provides insight into their overall cognitive abilities and potential. The test also compares children to peers of a similar age. In the most general terms, the goal is to determine the potential for a child to grasp new information. While this assessment can be a great predictor of potential, the IQ level is, by no means, a guarantee of success or failure.   Where the Wechsler Test Is Used Private schools serving children in 4th through 9th grades often use WISC-V as part of their admissions testing procedures, which may be in place of, or in addition to, other admission testing like the SSAT. Those private schools that use it do so to determine both a childs intelligence and his or her performance in school relative to that intelligence level. What the Test Determines WISC determines a childs intellectual capabilities. It is frequently used to diagnose learning difference, such as  ADD or ADHD. The test also helps to assess strengths in order to determine  gifted children. The WISC test indices are verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. The subtests allow precise modeling of a childs intellectual abilities and readiness for learning. Interpreting the Test Data Pearson Education, a company that sells the Wechsler testing products, also scores the tests. The clinical data that the tests provide helps the admissions staff develop a complete understanding of your childs intellectual strengths and weaknesses. However, the wide range of assessment scores can be daunting for many and difficult to understand. Not only do school officials, like teachers and admission representatives, need to understand these reports and what the scores mean, but also the parents.   According to the Pearson Education Website, there are options for the type of score reporting available for the WISC-V, which will provide a narrative explanation of the scores including (the following bullet points are quoted from the website): Narrative summary of the child’s background, history, and test behaviorsInterpretation of the Full Scale IQ and all primary, ancillary, and complementary index scoresIntegration of the reason for referral in test score interpretationRecommendations based on WISC–V performanceOptional Parent Summary Report Preparing for the Test Your child cannot prepare for WISC-V or other IQ tests by studying or reading. These tests are not designed to test what you know or how much you know, but rather, they are designed to determine the test-takers capacity to learn. Typically tests like the WISC consist of tasks that assess various measures of intelligence, including spatial recognition, analytical thinking, mathematical ability, and even short-term memory. As such, just make sure that your child gets plenty of rest and relaxation before the test. The school is accustomed to administering these tests and will instruct your child what to do at the appropriate time.