May I ask a question about verbal reasoning tests in this safe haven of Special Needs?

[Peaceflower]

Hi, ds (9) has a working diagnosis of ASD. Today his class teacher told me the whole class had been given a verbal reasoning test, and he scored 119. She excitedly told me that this means he achieved 20% ahead of the average expected score.

Can anyone enlighten me as to what this test entails and what the results mean? I don't know what scheme they used . Many thanks in advance.

A score of 119 is very good.

Verbal reasoning is the kind of tests some grammar schools use. Your local bookshop might be full of practice for verbal reasoning tests type books (bond books etc)

I don't think the results mean anything in particular. Probably means he doesn't have dyslexia :)

Means he's on the clever side :)

IndigoBell Many thanks for your quick reply. That was very helpful.

I am also wondering what a teacher hopes to gauge from these tests?

My school does both verbal and non verbal reasoning tests on every child.

I don't know why, but I think they use it to check kids are performing to their ability. Ie if your NC levels are average but your reasonng scores are very high they know there is a problem.

Also low verbal and high non verbal reasoning often ndicates dyslexia.

And I don't think it means he's 20% ahead. I think it puts him in the top few percent!

Bebause it's a standardised score, and I'm fairly sure 10 is one STD deviation, and do 119 is almost 2 std deviations which is very good.

Ie most peope score between 90 and 110

Thank you for the replies, my mind is boggling over "deviations". I will just take it that he's reasonably bright !

If only he was willing to write , today he asked about getting the computer to write for him

Ok, just looked it up. And if I'm right that 10 is one std deviation, then a score of 119 would put him in the top 3%. :)

My understanding of verbal reasoning is that it is supposed to be less possible to teach to the test - so you are teaching the ability of the child to comprehend, analyse, use logic, problem solve - rather than a test which a child could be coached for (eg rote learnt knowledge etc). So I would take it as a good sign your DS is naturally bright rather than just well coached!

The "well coached" part made me titter, the CP suspects PDA and ds won't be told anything , usually.