Posted by Timothy Anger on January 09 2010 at 20:05:20:
I have administered the WRAT test every spring to many homeshool students who either missed a group testing date, benefit from the one-on-one administration, or have special needs that are better evaluated with an individualized test.
Starting this year, the WRAT test is no longer accepted by the state for the required 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade testing. The individualized test that IS acceptable is the Peabody (PIAT-R).
Both tests cover spelling, reading, reading comprehension, and math. Both tests take about an hour to administer. While the WRAT test allowed students to write out their spelling words and solve a variety of math problems, the entire PIAT-R test is multiple choice using flashcards (the administer records the student responses). The PIAT math test involves more "story problems," interpretation of graphs, and math concept questions than the WRAT test did. The PIAT-R test also offers an optional writing skills subtest; students look at a picture and have to write a story about that picture.
The test administrator can use age norms or grade norms (fall, winter, or spring). Results can be reported with grade equivalents, stanines, percentiles, and standard scores.
If you are in eastern PA area and need your child tested with the PIAT-R, you can contact me via my website:
Timothy Anger
Emmaus, PA