About Testing
In
most schools, children take a set of standardized achievement tests in reading
and math every few years. This is an achievement test which measures
the degree that your child has retained the information to which he or she
has been exposed. The results of these tests are helpful in determining where
your child stands in relationship to his or her age appropriate national peer.
However, this is is not helpful in providing information that will make a child's educational
environment meet their particular needs. A comprehensive individualized
assessment is recommended.
There are two different types of testing that can be done for your child, the
first being a cognitive assessment that involves identifying an Intelligence
Quotient (IQ). This evaluation tests aptitude or ability and can be measured
through a variety of tests. Two of the most commonly used individual tests for
children are the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children (WISC-IV) and the
Stanford Binet, 4th Edition. Simply stated, these measure a child's cognitive
potential. It will give parents information on the child's cognitive skills,
both verbal and nonverbal. This will help in choosing the best academic setting
from available resources, as well as identify their child's natural
proclivities. This information can facilitate a student's involvement in their
own education through conscious understanding of their strengths and weaknesses
in the different academic areas. The cognitive assessment, along with an
individualized achievement test, can be used as a guide to help educators and parents
include skill sets in their program that will
maximize a child's potential.
The testing sessions for a battery of tests, including a test of cognitive
abilities, will range from 1 to 2 hours each, although for younger children
sessions are often divided into three one-hour sessions in order to achieve
optimum performance. A final interview is scheduled with the parents at which
time the written report and scores are discussed. Questions will also be
addressed at this time. For most children the testing process will seem like
taking a non-threatening quiz, playing games, putting together puzzles, and
talking with a friendly person.
Learning Solutions, PC, located in Colorado Springs, has been a reliable
and comprehensive tester for Renaissance families. If you are unsure as to
whether to have your child tested or you need additional information, please
call Dr. Becky Baldwin from Learning Solutions at (719) 635-8894 for further
details.
The Gifted Development Center in Denver also performs
psychoeducational testing. They may be contacted at 888-443-8331 or go to their
web site at www.gifteddevelopment.com
