WIAT & WISC ... anyone with regrets

[Trac]

after having the testing done?

We are probably going to have DS (7) tested. We're not sure that it's completely necessary, but a couple of things have happened that makes us want to rule things out and make sure any needs are being addressed. We have reservations about the results staying in his school records, and sort of wish we could have the testing done independently and then reveal to the school anything that pertains to them. Maybe everything pertains to them, though, in some way. It sort of feels like we're giving up our privacy...like we're throwing open the doors. Kind of uncomfortable, but at the same time I realize that we could learn a lot about DS. So...if you have thoughts you could share, good or bad...

[FnkyGreenMama]

Just wanted to reply as someone who works in the school system (I don't do the testing) that you may want to ask the person doing the testing to explain your rights in regards to your DS' personal information (they should do this anyway). In Ontario, you have the right to request the removal of documents/information from your child's record. It's likely the same in Alberta.

The information likely will be helpful for DS, especially if he needs any extra support with any particular area of difficulty. There will probably be recommendations for the school, and maybe for you, to follow, and having it all in writing makes everyone more accountable to achieving the common goal - helping your son. But as the parent, you have the right to say yes or no to anything the school wants to do.

Private testing might be covered by insurance, and you could decide what to do with the results (share all, some or none). But in my experience, free testing through the school is very professional and useful. The psychologists are used to working with parents and students who have some reservations about the process, and should be happy to answer any of your questions and work within your comfort level. HTH

[Trac]

Thanks for your reply. The liason that we spoke to said that the results will stay with his school records for three years, and after that will be sealed. She didn't mention being able to request that anything be removed, but maybe we just didn't ask that question. She spoke very highly of one of the psychologists in particular and said that she would request that one. We considered looking into private testing, but we think that testing through the school will be less alarming for DS. Kids are being pulled out of class for one thing or another all the time, so when he goes to have the testing done, he hopefully will think that it's just another thing that everyone has to do, and won't be thinking "there's something wrong with me."

[CarrieMF]

My youngest had the WISC done, but she was 3 at the time so it isn't in any records. It wouldn't bother me. Especially if it shows something that will HELP your son, yk. From my experience they don't read records alot of the time anyhow.lol

I had copies made of all my youngest's testing(all done between the age of 3 & 4) & put it in her records at the school so they would know what they were dealing with, what had already been tested for, etc. IF she needed extra support, having that information would have helped with them getting her funding/support earlier rather than later. As it stands other than some noise issues she's found the coping methods needed to not need support. She had a new teacher come in January & having her testing on record has helped her teacher understand her issues, especially with the noise.

[Trac]

Thank you, CarrieMF. It's so strange...how I feel about all of this...I know that more information is a good thing for DS, especially since we will be moving to a new area and he'll be starting over at a new school...I don't know...part of me wants not to know! We will be going ahead with this, and I know I'll feel better about it all once we get started. I've started the parental paperwork...yikes...LOL!