Chapter 6 - Wechsler Individual Achievement Test

Abstract

The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT) is a comprehensive norm-referenced battery designed to assess the achievement of academic skills in kindergarten students through grade 12. It is used (a) to evaluate the individual performance in relationship to grade- or age mates, (b) to identify individual strengths and weaknesses across a broad range of academic skills, (c) to compare a student's general ability level with his or her level of achievement using two different methods of discrepancy analysis—the simple-difference method and the predicted-achievement method, and (d) to guide instructional intervention planning. Two unique features have been the hallmark of the WIAT. First, although a few other achievement tests are co-normed with ability tests, the WIAT is the only individual achievement battery directly linked with the Wechsler scales. Second, the WIAT is distinct for its comprehensive coverage in assessing all areas of learning disability. The chapter also discusses WIAT II, which is a stronger link between assessment and intervention. It incorporates several changes and additions that enhance the diagnostic utility of the instrument, addresses the criticisms leveled at the WIAT, and extends its use to new populations.