Woodcock Johnson Iv Analysis

Woodcock Johnson IV – A Test Critique
Blair R. Bowlin
Wichita State University
CI 822 – Evaluation/Diagnosis in SPED
Dr. Donna Sayman
April 5, 2017
Abstract
The Woodcock Johnson IV in an achievement test that assesses gains, abilities, and weaknesses in the areas of cognitive abilities and oral language. It can be used independently or in any combination. WJIV is a battery of tests, contained within a single test easel, appropriate for use with children from age two right up to the oldest adults, with norms using individuals in their 90s. The WJ IV measures four broad academic domains: reading, written language, mathematics, and academic knowledge. The test uses a combination of standard and extended batteries (tests) for both forms of
The WJ IV Tests of Early Cognitive and Academic Development (ECAD) Comprehensive Early Childhood Assessment was specifically designed for use with children ages 2:6 through 7:11 and children with cognitive developmental delays through age 9:11. It measures general intellectual ability, early academic skills, and expressive language skills.
Legal/Ethical Challenges
The WJ IV is a fair, unbiased measure of an individual’s cognitive abilities, oral language abilities, and academic achievement in my opinion and the validity evidence supports that.
Test examiners’ characteristics are important factors in ensuring validity and accurate results. It is important that the examiners know the purpose of the testing, the relevant procedures and ethical issues, and especially how to use correct scoring procedures, since all these could directly impact on fairness. Effective communication can also affect fairness and validity. It is important that the person choosing and administering the measure is familiar with the student and how they communicate. This can affect the comprehension of the student, which could influence the responses during the test
I feel it is important to be familiar with the assessments given to my students to not only gain insight about them but also to properly understand results and data. I want to be able to answer any questions parents or myself would have about the testing and to properly utilize the results, making necessary changes or improvements to my instruction and meeting the needs of my students. This is the first year this version has been given in my district as all of my students have been given the WJ III in the past. None of my students had re-evaluations this year and have not been tested using this updated version so I’m hoping to be better prepared and informed for next year when they will be re-evaluated and administered the WJ