Worried, need help re: wppsi-III test

[avery1212]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone is familiar with this test (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Third Edition) and its uses. We were hoping that my son would be able to get into this school that is for "gifted" children. However, he did not score as high as we expected. He had some very high scores, some below average, but mostly he was in the average range. His total score was considered average to high average according to this psychologist. She also told us that she would be VERY surprised that he would jump to the "highest" category at any time in the future and he would be in this range for the rest of his life. He will not be attending that school due to his average scores. This may not be a bad thing if he is not up to their standards.

OK, I'm not that worried but was wondering how valid is her assessment? Is this a reliable test to measure my child

[malgosia]

Well I have no idea: how to post my ? maybe someone can direct me to where I need to post it? Can a 7 year old who bedwetts nightly, agressive with other children, contantly lies, is extremly lazy, cries to have his feet covered up and needs assistance with wipping behind after bowl movements, and even bowls in his pants,is clinaically obese SCORE a 140 on a IQ test? IS THIS POSSIBLE?

[psychovick]

From a school psychologist's perspecitve--your child  is not considered "gifted" with a IQ in the average range and therefore is not eligible for "gifted" programs in the schools--most schools also will not use an IQ score of a kid under about age 7 or 8 as the scores tend to be not as reliable when that young--however the likelihood of the child "jumping" out of the average range to the very superior range is still almost nil

most schools have "gifted" programs that start during the mid elementary years--there are usually other categories besides the high IQ range that allows kids to participate--for example a "high achievement" category for those adacemically advanced, as well as other types of "intgelligences" such as performing or fine arts

just because a child has an average IQ does not mean he will not have academic or school or life success

i must add though that trying to push a child with an average IQ into a program with other students with high IQs often does them a disservce, especially  as they get into higher grades, where the disparity will become more evident often resulting in difficulties for the child

nurture good academic and life-long learner habits in your young child and this will serve him better than any gifted program

[psychovick]

From a school psychologist's perspecitve--your child  is not considered "gifted" with a IQ in the average range and therefore is not eligible for "gifted" programs in the schools--most schools also will not use an IQ score of a kid under about age 7 or 8 as the scores tend to be not as reliable when that young--however the likelihood of the child "jumping" out of the average range to the very superior range is still almost nil

most schools have "gifted" programs that start during the mid elementary years--there are usually other categories besides the high IQ range that allows kids to participate--for example a "high achievement" category for those adacemically advanced, as well as other types of "intgelligences" such as performing or fine arts

just because a child has an average IQ does not mean he will not have academic or school or life success

i must add though that trying to push a child with an average IQ into a program with other students with high IQs often does them a disservce, especially  as they get into higher grades, where the disparity will become more evident often resulting in difficulties for the child

nurture good academic and life-long learner habits in your young child and this will serve him better than any gifted program

[nurse12hr]

I just have to add a comment here.  My youngest son seemed quite gifted as a youngester.  I, too was eager for him to get into the G/T program at our school.  I don't know what the type of test that was administered, but was gently told he "didn't qualify", that he was an average little boy, and to keep him in his regular classes.

I did just that, and wanted you to know he is in his 3rd year at a prestigious school in electrical engineering.  He maintains a 4.0 GPA while attending school fulltime, and working parttime.  He plans on getting a double masters upon completing his undergraduate work.

Be supportive of your child, and provide him with confidence and enriching experiences during his school years.  This will go much farther than all the "gifted" schools he could possibly attend.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The WPPSI-III is a very respected test of intelligence. It is important to remember that such tests yield results in a range; it is not possible to say with precision what any particular child's IQ is. However, within a range it is usually possible to discern the probability that a child's scores would, on another administration, vary in any important way. As you described the guidance you received, it sounds competent.