WISC or other tests?

[Anonymous]

I am considering having DS tested this year before he goes into 1st grade at public school. (He is at a Montessori kindergarten this year.)
There seem to be various tests for assessing learning abilities, but is WISC the most common test?
Is one test somehow better than others?

This is all new to me. Someone said on another thread that WPPSI costs about $300 but, does anyone know how much WISC costs?
I know this kind of tests are not covered by medical insurance, but does anyone know if one can use FSA for this type of expense?
Is the child supposed to test regularly to show consistency in scores?
Finally, to the parents who had their DC tested, was it worth it?

Thank you in advance for the information!!

[Anonymous]

Are you concerned about something in particular or just curious about how he stacks up compared to other kids? Unless testing is required for admissions, I don't really see the point at this age. I think you would get a more accurate read of his readiness for 1st grade from his teachers.

[Anonymous]

Not just out of curiousity -- I would like to put it on the record -- if he is advanced that is, so when he goes to public school, and if he is ahead of the curriculum, we have something to show to the school and advocate for him. That is what our family friend did for their son, who is doing really well academically, has consistently been placed in advanced classes. Our 5-year old is already reading chapter books and doing getting into 2nd grade math, so we were recommended for testing.

[Anonymous]

OP,
Who suggested you test your child? Is it someone familiar with your school district? Public schools have their own ways to assess. Also most first grades don't "track" for reading and math. I think this is premature. Perhaps you should give his new school some time and then see if you can advocate without the test?

[Anonymous]

OP,
Who suggested you test your child? Is it someone familiar with your school district? Public schools have their own ways to assess. Also most first grades don't "track" for reading and math. I think this is premature. Perhaps you should give his new school some time and then see if you can advocate without the test?

The more outside corroboration of the child's talents (IQ test, DYS, above grade level CTY and EXPLORE awards) the more leverage you have at the negotiating table with the school ... even when the school presents their side usually, and sometimes biased, non validated bits and bytes about "gaps" and the like. A string of sterling and superlative "outside" performances instantly diffuses their resistance. At the end of the day, both school and teacher don't want to look stupid. Furthermore, when concessions are made for your child, and the "me too" floodgates open, the school has muscle and evidence to support their decision. I encourage this approach particularly for students that are not culturally similar to the studentry and teachers and therefore may not readily find mentors and advocates in this environment.

Outside test scores and performance, from unbiased instruments, go a long way to squelch bureaucratic resistance. It may take up to 2 years to develop that portfolio and track record for your child but it was well worth the effort and grind in my case.

[Anonymous]

OP here--The same family friend whose son is so bright that he was offered scholarships to take college summer courses (he is in middle school), suggested the idea.
She said the exactly the same thing as the last poster said. She attributes all her sons successes to the test. She says she would not have been able to make a strong case without the outside objective test scores.

I agree with 17:14 that we should wait and see how the school deals with advanced kids, but when we went to the public school kindergarten orientation last year, and asked the question, we didn't get good answers. They said that they TRY not to let kids advance ahead of other kids especially at an early age. At this time, DS had not started kindergarten yet, and we were trying to decide whether to send him to a public kindergarten or stick with the Montessori school he had been going to. He had just started reading chapter books, so we told them this was a concern, and we didn't get much more than just "WOWs". We would hate to see him get bored once he start going to pulic school, so we are trying to be proactive and prepare ourselves for what's to come.

Thank you 17:34, for sharing your perspectives. I'm assuming you went through the same stuff? Did your DC take any of these tests? More than once? Did you have problems with your school? Are there anything else you did to prepare yourself and DC? I am familiar with CTY, and I'm going to look up other stuff you mentioned. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

I followed this approach with my first born now in 3rd grade and he is flourishing. I am following this blueprint with my second child in K, but now have much more patience with the school system. He is on the same trajectory as the first child but I'm not in the same hurry to get the school to act with my 5-year-old as I was with my first child. He is slowly accummulating the outside portfolio. When he approaches Grade 2, and the rubber begins to hit the road, it will be so clear to the system (as night versus day). The first takes the SCAT and EXPLORE yearly ... just like their annual SCY swim championship meets in March...no pressure, pure fun and part or their routine. He is also active in a variety of annual national and international math competitions.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Thank you again for sharing your experiences. Now I am certain I will have him tested sometime this year. Good for you for successfully guiding both your children through the system. This was very helpful. We, too, have a second born, so hopefully it will be easier next time around