Woodcock-Johnson achievement tests

As mentioned in a previous article, there are several different national standardized tests that are recognized for North Carolinian homeschoolers.  We've looked at the Iowa test, today we are going to look at the Woodcock-Johnson III Normative Update or WJIII NU.

I spoke with Even Nemitz, a Testing Consultant here in the Wake Forest/Youngsville area and homeschool mom regarding the test.  Here is what she had to say:  "The Woodcock-Johnson III Normative Update (WJIII NU) is an individualized, academic achievement test approved by the NC Division of Non-Public Education that meets the annual testing requirements for homeschool students.

The WJIII NU Standard Achievement test is composed of a Standard Battery and an Extended Battery.  The Standard battery provides a broad set of scores while the Extended Battery provides a more in-depth diagnostic information on specific academic strengths and weaknesses.  The Standard Battery can be used alone or with the Extended Battery.  It has both oral and written tests, as well as timed and un-timed tests.  There are no fill-in-the-bubble sheets.  The test is administered in a one-on-one setting and takes less that two hours to administer.  The results are available immediately and are explained by the test administrator.  Keeping the July 1-June 30 Testing deadline in mind, the WJIII NU can be administered at any time during the school year.  The test scores are based on the length of time/months spent in that grade rather than just the completion of that grade level.

While the WJIII NU provides norms by year from ages 2-90+ and by grade kindergarten-12th grade, 2 year and 4 year college, it is an ideal test for students that are young (grades K-6th), have trouble/stress associated with timed tests, is very advanced or very behind, for parent who would like to determine a more accurate grade equivalent, and would prefer to have their test scores explained to them by a test administrator.

The WJIII NU MUST be administered by an approved test administrator.  The cost varies from $65-$90 depending on the location, time of year and choice of standard/extended tests."

Speaking from experience, it is true that this test is extremely beneficial for students with test anxiety and the opportunity to go over the results with the administrator is helpful in customizing your curriculum to help your child in their areas that need work.  If you would like to contact Eve, please leave a comment with your e-mail address and I will send her information to you.