In the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, we have attempted to provide the reader with books that will deliver key practical information in the most efficient and accessible style. The series features instruments in a variety of domains, such as cognition, personality, education, and neuropsychology. For the experienced clinician, books in the series will offer a concise yet thorough way to master utilization of the continuously evolving supply of new and revised instruments, as well as a convenient method for keeping up to date on the tried-and-true measures. The novice will find here a prioritized assembly of all the information and techniques that must be at one's fingertips to begin the complicated process of individual psychological diagnosis.
Wherever feasible, visual shortcuts to highlight key points are utilized alongside systematic, step-by-step guidelines. Chapters are focused and succinct. Topics are targeted for an easy understanding of the essentials of administration, scoring, interpretation, and clinical application. Theory and research are continually woven into the fabric of each book, but always to enhance clinical inference, never to sidetrack or overwhelm. We have long been advocates of “intelligent” testing—the notion that a profile of test scores is meaningless unless it is brought to life by the clinical observations and astute detective work of knowledgeable examiners. Test profiles must be used to make a difference in the child's or adult's life, or why bother to test? We want this series to help our readers become the best intelligent testers they can be.
The Essentials of WJ IV® Tests of Achievement is designed to be a helpful reference to all examiners, whether they are experienced with the WJ III or just learning the WJ IV. The internationally renowned authors have incorporated fine points of administration, scoring, and interpretation to assist examiners in building their competency with the WJ IV Tests of Achievement and the WJ IV Tests of Oral Language. The authors weave expert guidance throughout to help the reader avoid common examiner errors. Appendix B includes answers to frequently asked questions.
Too often the focus of testing is on getting a score or establishing a numeric discrepancy. Much more information can be derived from an achievement or oral language test than just a score. In this book, the authors provide access to the rich, interpretive information available when using the WJ IV ACH or the WJ IV OL.
Alan S. Kaufman, PhD, and Nadeen L. Kaufman, EdD, Series Editors
Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine