WISC IV testing -- need a recommendation

[Anonymous]

This would be for a boy who is not particularly fidgety or distractible, but who very much appreciates either "a lady with a nice voice" (his words) or a fun guy. ie, no stern Catholic school nuns from the 1950s.

He took the WPPSI with Joel Adler and that went very well, but I've since read some unflattering assessments of his reports here on DCUM and now I'm not sure what to think.

thank you!

[Anonymous]

If this is for independent school admission, check with the school admission office to see who they recommend. Many of the schools oftened mention on DCUM have a short list of testing agencies they prefer because they have working relationships with them and feel they can rely on the accuracy and completeness of the reports.

[Anonymous]

What's with the swipe at nuns?

[Anonymous]

15:23, great idea. done

16:23, I like nuns fine. If you knew any nuns who taught in Catholic schools in the 50s, you'll know the shorthand for the personality type. I actually know a very few who are still alive. One used to hit my aunt at least once a week. Yes, I am extrapolating. See, also, "Proof"

[Anonymous]

The nuns of the fifties were amazing..we need more of them today..most were intellectuals who taught just for the joy of it..no financial gain obviously. Some were tough but most were tough in a loving way. My aunt is one of those nuns..she is now semi-retired and teaches science in one of the "worst" schools in philadelphia and her kids just love her as do the parents.

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with Joel Adler's reports? Just curious as we are about to start the process.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- I really like Joel Adler and felt that his not-short report was an accurate reflection of DS a few years ago. He captured his essence and reported it well.

Also, my DS warmed up to him immediately which astounded me, since DS was, at the time, very wary of anyone new.

The score on the test administered by Dr. Adler seems very consistent with DS's school performance in the past few years.

[Anonymous]

OP,
I know the shorthand for the nuns, I think it makes zero sense in this context. This is a one-on-one test with consultants who do not engage in harsh tactics and ask testers to say Hail Mary's or risk a slap on the hand! It's a misuse of the reference, an unnecessary swipe at nuns.

[Anonymous]

P.S. If Joel Adler worked for you once before, why not go back? Who cares if one or a few posters on DCUM didn't dig him? Maybe they're blaming the messenger, tee hee.

[Anonymous]

I also think the tester fit depends on the child. For example, one of my kids would perform well on the WISC regardless of the tester's demeanor or personality. However, one of my other kids is very shy and would probably not do her best if she felt the least bit intimidated or anxious. We had a stern no-nonsense psychologist test our son and he did fine but I can't see my daughter warming up to her too well. OP, I get it.

[Anonymous]

I really like Dr. Linda McGhee. Just runs a small shop, very nice, very approachable, very gentle in her demeanor. Her team can also help with school recommendations if you so choose. 202-271-8875 She's in the Friendship Hghts/Bethesda area.