Cognitive Assessment | News

Cognitive Assessment Tool Upgrade Provides More Information on Learning Disabilities

• By Michael Hart
• 10/07/14

New improvements to a cognitive assessment tool will allow school and clinical psychologists more access to test content and additional information about a student's learning processes specific to learning disabilities.

Pearson has introduced the fifth version of its Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), which gathers information about a child's learning ability, strengths and weaknesses and can help develop a personalized learning plan for students who need remediation.

The latest edition of the product includes access to new subtest content and increased coverage of cognitive processes important to specific learning disability identification and intervention. It also can integrate achievement measures from tests like the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test.

"The fifth edition makes assessment and interpretation more effective and efficient for clinicians," said Pearson Vice President of Cognition and Neurobehavior Abigail Batty, "and makes assessment more engaging for students."

For the first time, the WISC-V, which measures cognitive ability for children ages 6-16, is available in both digital and traditional paper-and-pencil formats. The digital format is on Pearson's Q-interactive, which allows clinicians to access their clients' assessment via a tablet.

"Digital administration of core psychological tests has been a fantastic development of my practice," said clinical psychologist Patrick Aleknavicius. "The combination of Q-interactive and the updated WISC-V will allow for a more integrated and detailed understanding of a child's test scores and more targeted interventions."