Why use a WIAT to assess children?

I am often asked about the WIAT (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test). The WIAT is an individually administered test that takes from 30 to 90mintes to administer.

An achievement test measure how an individual is going in certain areas of academic school work.

The WIAT gives a good overall summary of functioning in the following areas: reading, maths, written language and oral language.

If an individual has a high or average IQ and is significantly below average in reading, maths or written language they may have a specific learning disability in a certain area. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability associated with problem in reading.

If an individual has an extremely high IQ, but is under achieving at school, they may fall into the category of “gifted – learning disabled”.

A WIAT is a good way to see how a child is going in a variety of academic subjects compared to other people their own age.

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Year 10 in Victoria is often seen as a transitional year for students. Many students are given the opportunity to sample a VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) subject. This prepares them for what lies ahead in Year 11 and 12. Many schools also implement specialised programs at Year 10 to help students with subject selection and study skills. Work experience is also common at this year level.

Why Assess at Year 10?

Psychological Testing is beneficial at Year 10 for several reasons. Psychological Assessment seeks to answer some of the following questions:

• Is there is reason why a student does poorly on exams and tests?
• Is the student capable of achieving success in certain subjects? This will assist with planning for relevant subject selection.
• Should a student take verbally based subjects or opt for more practical subjects?  This will review an individual’s best learning style.
• Is the student under achieving? If so, is there a reason for this?
• Are there problems with the speed of processing information? If so, does the school need to apply for extra time for exams?
• Is the student struggling with reading and comprehension?
• Does the student experience problems with short term memory? If so, does the student need memory strategies?
• Does the student have problems with visually or verbally presented information? If so, do teachers need to modify the way the material is presented in class?
• Does the student have an auditory processing difficulty? If so, what needs to be put in place for the best possible outcomes?
• Does the student have a specific learning disability? If so, what specific help does the student need?
• Does the student need a specialised tutor to assist them in certain subjects?
• Does the student need help with organisation and planning?
• What areas will a student naturally succeed in?

The best way to answer many of these questions and many more is to conduct a full WISC-IV and WIAT –II assessment. This will give a learning profile that reflects both cognitive ability and academic achievement. Students many then benefit from specialised coaching programs that are designed to assist with maximising their potential to achieve VCE success.

One of the books that I enjoy using with young clients (ages 3 – 8 years) is called Angry Octopus by Lori Lite.  It is a nice little relaxation story for children.

When reading through the story, I ask the client to do the exercises as we read it. Sometimes the young person asks about how the octopus actually breathes under water! We often have a lively discussion about breathing and how it is important to relax and be control both our thoughts and emotions.

We often reflect upon situations where we might get angry and how we can express irritation or frustration in positive and assertive ways, rather than in angry and destructive ways.

I will then ask the client to complete this simple worksheet and practice the relaxation exercise during the week.

Intelligence testing of very young children can sometimes be problematic because young people develop so rapidly.

However, there are many benefits for psychological assessment and often the more information and the early the information is gathered, the more tailored the intervention programs can be.

Assessment is a way of gaining some understanding of a child in order to make informed and appropriate decisions.

Child Testing

Why should a child be tested?

• To screen for any cognitive deficits.
• To assess for eligibility for funding.
• To understand a child’s learning profile or preferred learning style.
• To assess for learning disorders (such as reading, mathematics or writing disorders, including dyslexia).
• To provide intervention programs for children with specialised needs.
• To assess gifted children in order to provide appropriate and stimulating learning environments.
• To test for school readiness.
• To gain early access to school or to remain in kinder another year.
• To identify developmental delays and provide appropriate interventions for psycho educational disorders or problems as early in a child’s life as possible.
• To understand uncharacteristic behaviours and/ or emotional issues that are presenting at either home or school.

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Spelling well helps us communicate efficiently with the outside world. Everyone needs strategies to help spell words correctly.

Learn the sounds of the a..b..c

We have compiled a collection of spelling strategies that can assist individuals to spell better.

Tips include:

• Learning a variety of spelling strategies.
• Making up your own strategies to help with difficult words.
• Using a glossary for new and unusual words in various academic subjects.
• Learning to conquer your own personal “spelling demons”… and a whole lot more!

To download a tip sheet on spelling strategies click here.
Spelling is something we can all work on – let us all be the best spellers we can be!

We have just launched a new product for professionals – Counselling Worksheets!

This is an exciting new resource that will help professionals manage sessions with ease and confidence!

They are an excellent resource for the counsellor starting out, or those who have been in the profession for years! This resource includes a set of 100 practical counseling worksheets suitable for school age children.

They are designed to guide counselling sessions to help focus on the most relevant issues to quickly achieve positive outcomes.

These have been developed over several years and finally we have decided to share with professionals our “tricks of the trade” and creative ideas for an affordable and reasonable price. They are within the price range of every professional. For a limited time they are being sold at less than half price – as we want to share this exciting resource with as many people as possible.

The worksheets are based on trusted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy principles.

They are practical and simple to use. Each worksheet comes with counselling notes. These notes clearly explain how to work with clients.

You can purchase these counseling worksheets online and they can be printed directly from a computer and used within a session or as a homework activity.

Topics include:
•    Beating anxiety
•    Overcoming depression
•    Increasing emotional intelligence
•    Problem solving skills
•    Coping strategies
•    Developing a positive mindset
•    Understanding self
•    Stress management
•    Relaxation
•    Goal setting
•    Motivation
•    Friendships
•    Checklists – common disorders in schools
•    Learning questionnaires
•    Transition issues

We hope you enjoy using these resources, as we feel they are a valuable resource for all psychologists and school counsellors working with young people. Order your set today!