Testing and Assessment for Giftedness in Western Australia

Identifying giftedness in children can be a pivotal step toward providing the right educational support and resources. In Western Australia, assessments for giftedness help determine a child’s unique strengths and needs, guiding parents and educators in making informed decisions about their learning pathway. Gifted WA is here to support parents through this process, connecting families with information and resources that make testing for giftedness more accessible.

Why Consider Testing?
Giftedness isn’t always visible through grades or classroom performance. Children who display advanced cognitive, creative, or emotional characteristics can benefit from a formal assessment that helps reveal their full potential. Testing can:

• Confirm if a child would benefit from specialised educational support or enrichment programs
• Identify specific learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth
• Assist educators in tailoring individual learning plans for optimal development

Types of Assessments for Giftedness
There are several types of assessments that can provide insights into a child’s abilities:

1. Cognitive Ability Tests
   These tests evaluate intellectual abilities and often include problem-solving tasks, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning. Popular tests include:

   • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V): A widely recognised IQ test for assessing cognitive abilities, measuring areas such as verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, and working memory.
   • Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: Measures reasoning, knowledge, and cognitive processing skills, providing a broad view of intellectual potential..
   • Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities – Australasian Adaptation (WJ IV): This test provides a comprehensive assessment of cognitive abilities and academic strengths, adapted for use in Australian contexts. It evaluates general intellectual ability, cognitive processing, and specific strengths in various domains, such as visual processing, auditory processing, and memory. The WJ IV is especially beneficial for identifying advanced cognitive skills and learning styles, helping to tailor educational support based on the Australian Curriculum
   • Raven’s Progressive Matrices: A non-verbal assessment that is ideal for children who prefer visual or abstract reasoning tasks

2. Achievement Tests
   These tests evaluate a child’s performance in core academic areas. Common examples include:

   • NWEA MAP Growth: Measures academic growth in areas like Maths, Reading, and Science.
   • Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Tests: ACER’s tests assess proficiency in subjects aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

3. Creativity and Talent Assessments
   Some gifted children exhibit exceptional creative or artistic abilities. Creativity assessments, such as the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), are designed to evaluate creative problem-solving and originality.

4. Social and Emotional Assessments
   Gifted children may face unique social and emotional challenges. Social and emotional assessments help understand areas like empathy, emotional intensity, and social skills, enabling tailored support for the child’s overall well-being.

Where to Find Testing Services in Western Australia
In WA, assessments for giftedness can be arranged through:

• School Psychologists: Some WA schools offer assessments conducted by in-house psychologists. Reach out to your child’s school to explore available options.
• Private Psychologists: Private practitioners offer a variety of tests. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) website can help you locate certified psychologists specialising in gifted assessments.
• University Centres: Universities such as UWA and Curtin occasionally provide assessment services or partner with specialists to support gifted education.

Choosing the Right Test
The choice of test often depends on the child’s age, abilities, and the purpose of the assessment. School-based psychologists or private specialists can help determine the most suitable type of assessment based on individual needs.

How to Prepare for Testing
Gifted WA recommends a supportive and relaxed approach to testing:

• Discuss the Purpose: Help your child understand that the test is a way to learn more about how they think and learn.
• Create a Calm Environment: Ensure your child is well-rested and relaxed before the assessment.
• Engage with Their Interests: Activities that stimulate their natural curiosity and engagement may help prepare them for the cognitive challenges of testing.

Gifted WA’s Role in Supporting Families
At Gifted WA, we offer resources and guidance to help families navigate the assessment process. Whether you need help understanding test options, finding a psychologist, or advocating for your child’s educational needs, Gifted WA is here to support you.