IQ Test Readiness Issue
By Inderbir Kaur Sandhu, Ph.D
Q:
I am hoping that you can give me a little bit of
direction regarding my daughter, who recently turned 5. She
was given the WPPSI in January and the K-BIT 2 in February.
I was very concerned when I reviewed the assessments and
followed up with the administrators. Apparently, my daughter
disengaged during the testing and "opted out." I am no
longer concerned with whether she is gifted, but rather
whether there is a more global issue at hand. From a
reading, writing and arithmetic standpoint, she appears to
have the intellectual ability. She is a delightful, active,
creative girl. This really threw me for a loop. Your input
is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
A: I can only speculate the reason your daughter tested as
was reviewed (WPPSI - Weschlers Preschool and Primary Scale
of Intelligence and K-BIT 2 - Kaufman Brief Intelligence
Scale). It is rather strange that she disengaged during the
test and opted out but yet managed to do well in general. I
am sure you decided to get her tested, as she appeared
ready. Especially if you had spoken to her about testing and
what it is all about to prepare her in advance. Did she show
any signs of not wanting to be tested, any anxiety? Young
children are quite susceptible to feeling disengaged due to
fatigue, distraction, anxiety, or even boredom (taking two
tests in two months)! It is also important that the tester
develop a good rapport with the child.
As individual tests, the tester can closely monitor a
child's behavior to be sure she is following the test, to
note particular problems with certain skills (e.g., fine
motor) or anxiety, or to probe answers (as seen appropriate)
to obtain more information. This was probably what happened
when the review was made. It would be a good idea to do a
second follow up with the administrators, as this is indeed
a concern that should be addressed. You may also want to try
talking to your daughter in a very light manner as to her
feelings while doing the test. It is really hard to tell
with such limited information and perhaps the best people to
help understand the situation are the testers or administrators
who conducted the test. Best of luck!
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