WPPSI value to testing?

[Anonymous]

We have a 3 yo DS - he's in daycare now -- not really considering private school BUT several of our friends have been talking about the WPPSI test.

Is there any value we as parents could learn from this test that would help us or is it strictly for admissions?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Strictly for admissions.

[Anonymous]

If you want information for yourselves, it's recommended you wait until the child is 6 or 7 (at which point it's no longer the WPPSI).

[Anonymous]

Op here- thanks!

I was hoping it may give us feedback on the "emotional intelligences" as well - or learning styles, etc....

[Anonymous]

My kids have never taken the test (we're public school types), but it seems to me that it would have very little value. I think most experts say IQ testing at this age is variable and not reliable. My on expereince from having kids that age is that you can't tell anything. Some of the kids that you think are brilliant as pre-school/kindergarteners, really flame out fairly quickly and some "sleepers" really blossom. it's so hard to tell at this age.

[Anonymous]

The director of my child's school says that you want consistent scores across the board. This is even more important that having high scores (though schools are looking for that too).

This year everyone is anti-WPPSI but there have been many postings in past years by parents whose children had very inconsistent scores and later were found to have learning disabilities or other significant academic challenges.

Also, there are many studies out there that have revealed that the scores predict later academic success - but the verbal score is a more accurate academic predictor than the spatial part (can't remember the name of it).

If my child had a low score, or widely varying verbal/spatial scores, I would put a lot of effort into figuring out why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here- thanks!

I was hoping it may give us feedback on the "emotional intelligences" as well - or learning styles, etc....

It doesn't tell you anything about those qualities.

[Anonymous]

I hope no one from that private school forum sees this thread.

[Anonymous]

Why is that? I guess I'm from "that forum", in that I do check it when the subject is relevant to my life. I am also interested if these tests have any other vaue than for admissions purposes.

I know the WISC is primarily supposed to help diagnose learning disabilities, and I know parents who have had their kids tested for that reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope no one from that private school forum sees this thread.

Don't be ridiculous. Private school parents know the most about the test and its limitations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope no one from that private school forum sees this thread.

Don't be ridiculous. Private school parents know the most about the test and its limitations.

I suspect PP's concern was that some of the hyper-intense people who fiercely debate and dissect every nuance of the WPPSI test scores on the private school thread might invade this discussion. Right now, this is a pleasant exchange of ideas, and it would be great to keep it that way.

[Anonymous]

OP, there's clearly no real *need* for your child to take the WPPSI, and the reports aren't very extensive. But if you can afford the cost (about $300, I think), I suspect you'd find the results interesting. My kids seemed to enjoy the outing, so you're not subjecting your child to anything unpleasant. If I were you, I might just call up one of the child psychologists that administers the test, explain to her that you aren't really interested in test scores, but really just want to learn more about your child and get feedback from a trained perspective. The psychologist might recommend a different test, or perhaps just a free-form interview with your child. That might be a lot more interesting for you than just cold test results.

If there is also some extra interest on your part to get actual WPPSI scores so you can see how your child might "stack up" against other kids (and there's absolutely no shame in that natural urge as far as I'm concerned), then obviously you ought to take the test.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, there's clearly no real *need* for your child to take the WPPSI, and the reports aren't very extensive. But if you can afford the cost (about $300, I think), I suspect you'd find the results interesting. My kids seemed to enjoy the outing, so you're not subjecting your child to anything unpleasant. If I were you, I might just call up one of the child psychologists that administers the test, explain to her that you aren't really interested in test scores, but really just want to learn more about your child and get feedback from a trained perspective. The psychologist might recommend a different test, or perhaps just a free-form interview with your child. That might be a lot more interesting for you than just cold test results.

If there is also some extra interest on your part to get actual WPPSI scores so you can see how your child might "stack up" against other kids (and there's absolutely no shame in that natural urge as far as I'm concerned), then obviously you ought to take the test.

Good luck.

OP here -- thanks -- this sounds like good advice... and appreciate the thoughts of others as well -- I didn't think that inconsistent scores could show issues with learning disabilities, etc.

Honestly - the thought has crossed my mind to see how he "stacked up" more as thought as to what we will do with him for elementary school. I strongly believe that if your child is bright, he can do well in public school and if he has LD issues, FxCo where we are has wonderful resources.. it's almost the "average child" that I worry about most getting lost in the larger class sizes and having to deal with the SOL-type testing/learning environment.

I think I will talk to his current center's director -- they have an accredited K program there and she has been in this biz for a loooong time -- she may have some suggestions on people to talk with, types of tests, and timing.

THANKS ALL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope no one from that private school forum sees this thread.

Don't be ridiculous. Private school parents know the most about the test and its limitations.

I suspect PP's concern was that some of the hyper-intense people who fiercely debate and dissect every nuance of the WPPSI test scores on the private school thread might invade this discussion. Right now, this is a pleasant exchange of ideas, and it would be great to keep it that way.

Yup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The director of my child's school says that you want consistent scores across the board. This is even more important that having high scores (though schools are looking for that too).

This year everyone is anti-WPPSI but there have been many postings in past years by parents whose children had very inconsistent scores and later were found to have learning disabilities or other significant academic challenges.

Also, there are many studies out there that have revealed that the scores predict later academic success - but the verbal score is a more accurate academic predictor than the spatial part (can't remember the name of it).

If my child had a low score, or widely varying verbal/spatial scores, I would put a lot of effort into figuring out why.

At what point (age) would you try to figure out why? There may be inconsistencies with age that will smooth out over time, and the diagnostic process can be very costly. I would be inclined to get an evaluation, but how early is too early. Isn't it true that some LDs can not be easily identified before about age 8?