In my daughter’s AP Psych test, the kids took an IQ test and received their scores today. I think this was totally inappropriate for the teacher to do.
To be fair, the kids didn’t have to take the test, and they were given the option to see their score - but still, they’re teens and probably couldn’t really appreciate how receiving a low score could play a number with their self image. Do you think this was an appropriate assignment for an AP Psych class? |
Did it give context to the score? My DS took an IQ test when he had neuropsych testing done (he was 16 at the time). I went over the results with him and he had no idea what an IQ score of 102 meant. He thought 100 was perfect so therefore he was better than perfect. Lol! |
If it was an authentic one, it’s a perfectly engaging and appropriate activity for this class, and in line with what some psychologists do for a living. I would have loved a free IQ test as a teen! I had to pay thousands for my son’s neuropsych that included an IQ test.
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Did they teach them about the test tasks, how the sub scores are calculated, and what the aggregate scores mean? |
Yes, it gave context. My daughter actually texted me that she has a superior IQ. That’s how I found out about it. |
I suppose all of that was taught, I don’t see how it could be an official IQ since the kids scored it themselves, but I fail to see what good it gives to let 16-17 years olds know what their IQ is. |
Would you have loved it if you had scored below a 100? |
I agree. I know my teen isn't ready to know his score. |
Seriously? Wow. I'll never understand the type that deliberately avoids self-knowledge. My kid had his first full neuropsych at 10. It took 8 hours over 2 days. We explained exactly what was going on, and he read his report with us. It brought great relief to him, since he expressed he was different starting at 4 years old. He found out that he was twice exceptional - high IQ with learning disabilities - and all of a sudden, his life made a lot more sense to him. It's very important to respect children and trust their intelligence and judgement, OP, and give them the tools to know themselves so they can grow and self-advocate. Your 16-17 year old will go to college soon, she's old enough to drive, she'll live without you. Surely she can know, ballpark, what her IQ is. |
No, it was absolutely not appropriate without parental consent. |
Of course. I want to know as much about myself as possible. I have mild ADHD and dyscalculia, for instance. I'm also a scientist married to a doctor, and have never felt any sort of shame that I have these characteristics. Biological, medical, psychological data are all in the realm of useful facts. Refusing to know indicates some level of fear. There is no need to fear or be ashamed of the result. That's incredibly counterproductive. |
Your son got a high IQ. You really can’t see how it would be harmful for a 16 year old to get a score that tells them that they are not suited for any job beyond general clerical? |
It wasn't a legitimate IQ test. There aren't many that can be group administered, the teacher would have to be a licensed or credentialed psychologist, they aren't free, and parents would have to give consent/be notified.
Your child took an approximation of an IQ test for fun, which is completely appropriate for an AP psych class. -Signed School Psychologist |
Don’t be thick. Having mild adhd and dyscalculia is not the same as having an IQ below 100, which you invariably did not have if you are a scientist. How does it do a 16 year old any good to know that they have a low IQ, or even just lower than the other kids who were all sharing their scores after class? |
I agree. I know it can’t be an official IQ test but in any event it was billed as such and was given after learning all about IQ and it’s significance. Interestingly enough her score was a 122 which is the exact score she received in second grade when she was administered a full scale IQ test by a psychologist. |