Which WJ-III Subtests Should I Administer? P R E S E N T E D B Y : J U D D F R E D S T R O M A R E A S P E C I A L E D U C A T I O N C O O P A S E C. N E T Woodcock-Johnson III tests of Achievement
Eligibility Decisions Although eligibility decisions may be made off of broad or cluster scores, cluster scores should be used for validating eligibility decisions as they are more narrowly focused and go further in identifying relevant performance differences within the individual and compared to a normative group. Best practice indicates that cluster scores be comprised of at least two or three subtests which are under the test s same theory of cognitive abilities/processes, and preferably developmentally appropriate to the individual being tested. Subtest scores may be used to further understand the nature of strengths and weaknesses as well as direct focus during instructional planning and goal setting. Use only broad or cluster scores to analyze achievement. (source: MDE) *Use age equivalency not grade equivalency for calculations.
According to IDEA eligibility for SLD may be determined in the following areas: Oral expression. Listening comprehension. Written expression. Basic reading skills. Reading fluency skills - no WJ-III cluster score available Reading comprehension. Mathematics calculation. Mathematics problem solving.
Woodcock-Johnson III Comparison IDEA AREA Oral Expression Listening Comprehension Written Expression Basic Reading Skills Reading Comprehension Mathematics Calculation Mathematics Reasoning WJ-III Cluster Oral Expression Listening Comprehension Written Expression Basic Reading Skills Reading Comprehension Reading Calculation Skills Math Reasoning
Soooo. What subtests do you need? You will administer 14 subtests: Standard Battery Test 1: Letter-Word Identification Test 3: Story Recall Test 4: Understanding Directions Test 5: Calculation Test 6: Math Fluency Test 8: Writing Fluency Test 9: Passage Comprehension Test 10: Applied Problems Test 11: Writing Samples Extended Battery Test 13: Word Attack Test 14: Picture Vocabulary Test 15: Oral Comprehension Test 17: Reading Vocabulary Test 18: Quantitative Concepts
Guidelines for Administration Avoid deviations from the standard administration of any standardized test that invalidate the score for eligibility and placement decisions. Non-standard administration includes, for example: Not using a tape recorder for a subtest when required by the standard administration directions in the testing technical manual. Testing in a classroom full of students. Extending the allotted time for a subtest. Completing the math calculation section with a calculator.
Guidelines for Administration Continued Testing of limits may occur after ceilings are reached, and may provide valuable information for the design of instruction and to reveal a student s thinking strategies or processes. Administer a standardized test according to procedures outlined in the administrative manual. Do not administer a subtest over two separate days. This will invalidate the score.
Minnesota Regression Table Reminder The steps below show how to accurately use the Minnesota Regression Table: Step 1: If a test specific correlation is not available, use the.62 correlation column in the regression table. Step 2: If the student s achievement score (standard score) is equal to or less than the score reported in the correlation column, then the student s discrepancy is considered severe and meets this part of the SLD eligibility criteria. Caution: This is just one of three criteria for SLD eligibility. The team must also verify and document the presence of the other two criteria elements (severe underachievement and basic psychological processing condition). (source: MDE)
In Review Woodcock-Johnson III Achievement Testing There are 7 cluster scores you can use to qualify under SLD. You will need to administer 14 subtests. Use the.62 regression table column for comparison with your ability standard score. Use age norms not grade norms.