MSPA Spring Conference: The Woodcock-Johnson IV

The Woodcock-Johnson IV

The Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ IV; Woodcock, Schrank, McGrew, & Mather, 2014) is the latest generation of the Woodcock-Johnson psycho-educational test batteries. The WJ IV features an updated Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theoretical model, a carefully designed organizational plan with new tests and clusters, and new interpretive procedures that will help psychologists identify strengths and weaknesses among co-normed measures of cognitive abilities, oral language, and academic achievement.

Participants will learn how the design of the WJ IV is based on the integration of research and theory in a number of areas. First, the design of the battery benefited from a review of 20+ years of CHC research. The CHC cognitive-achievement research literature informed the revision of WJ III tests and the development of new tests to measure a more diverse array of cognitive and achievement abilities. Second, by moving beyond the confines of factor analysis, complimentary statistical methods (e.g., multidimensional scaling; exploratory model generating CFA) revealed new insights in existing WJ III tests and the design of new WJ IV. Finally, integration of contemporary cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology research suggested the need for refined measures of specialized narrow and/or cognitively complex cognitive, achievement and neurocognitive abilities.

The WJ IV is organized into three independent, complementary, and co-normed batteries: the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive, the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement), and the new Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Oral Language. The three batteries can be used independently or together in any combination. Each of the three batteries includes new tests and interpretive clusters based on advances in CHC theory and contemporary assessment practice requirements.

Currently, IDEA 2004 allows for three methods of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) identification: (a) an ability-achievement discrepancy, (b) response to intervention (RTI), and (c) alternative research-based methods, most often referred to as a pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) approach. The WJ IV provides specific diagnostic information relevant to the use of (a) an ability-achievement discrepancy, as well as to implementation of (b) alternative research-based methods, such as a PSW approach. A number of new difference score variation and comparison procedures will be described with a particular focus on their use in a PSW approach to the identification of learning disorders. In addition, research not published in the WJ IV technical manual (e.g., cross-battery CFA and MDS of the WJ IV with WISC-IV and WAIS-IV) will be presented.

Session Goals and Objectives:

This presentation is designed to help you:

1) Learn how CHC theory has evolved from its initial 2001 conceptualization

2) Learn how the updated model of CHC theory and contemporary assessment practices are reflected in the structure and interpretive features of the WJ IV.

3) Learn how the WJ IV cognitive, oral language, and achievement batteries can be used to identify learning problems and disabilities that are specified in the IDEA. Emphasis will be placed on the PSW approach.

4) Learn how the WJ IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities, which have undergone significant revision based on the test design principle of cognitive complexity, relates to other major intelligence batteries.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Kevin McGrew is the Director and owner of the Institute for Applied Psychometrics (IAP). He is also a Visiting Professor in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Associate Director for Measurement Learning Consultants, and Research Director for the Woodcock-Munoz Foundation. He was a practicing school psychologist for 12 years and a Professor of Applied Psychology at St. Cloud State University for 10 years. He conducts research in the areas of human intelligence, intelligence testing, applied psychometrics, school learning, and the application of neurotechnology to cognitive performance and learning. He has published over 70 different journal articles, books or book chapters in his areas of expertise. Detailed information can be found at his MindHub® web page. He is the author of three professional blogs (IQs Corner; the Brain Clock; Intellectual Disability and the Death Penalty).

McGrew has served as a measurement consultant to test publishers and national research studies and organizations. He frequently serves as a consultant and expert witness regarding intelligence testing in ID death penalty cases (Atkins cases). He has extensive experience in developing nationally standardized assessment instruments. He was the primary measurement consultant for the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery—Revised and served in the same capacity as coauthor of the Woodcock-McGrew-Werder Mini-Battery of Achievement, the Sharpe-McNear-McGrew Braille Assessment Inventory, the Woodcock-Johnson Battery—III, the Woodcock-Johnson Diagnostic Supplement, the Batería III, the Woodcock-Johnson III Normative Update , the Woodcock-Johnson III—Australian Adaptation, and the Woodcock-Johnson Battery-IV.

Continuing Education Policy:

The Massachusetts School Psychologists Association is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer contact hours. The DESE requires the completion of a pre-test, which is included on the registration form. A post-test is also required and will be given at the end of the conference. Participants must attend the ENTIRE CONFERENCE and satisfy state regulations in order to receive 6 contact hours. Each participant is responsible for knowing and meeting the DESE licensure requirements.

CE HOURS: The Massachusetts School Psychologists Association is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to sponsor continuing education (CE) for psychologists. In keeping with NASP requirements, these are awarded in contact hours only. CE hours will be awarded at the close of the conference.  MSPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Anyone arriving more than 20 minutes late or leaving prior to the conclusion of the program will not receive continuing education credits. 

Registration Options

All registrants must first register online regardless as to how you are paying.  If you are paying by credit card, you can enter that information online following registration, and your registration will be completed.  If you are paying my check or purchase order, register online and do not enter any payment information.  Once you submit your registration, mail your check or purchase order to:  

MSPA Conference C/O Kristine Camacho, 65 St. John St., Palmer, MA 01069

Please make all checks payable to MSPA.

Please note that online registration will end 48 hour prior to the conference in order for us to process all paperwork prior to the start of the conference.  Registration may end earlier if the event sells out. 

Conference Questions:

Please email us at: MSPAconference@gmail.com with any questions.

Person(s) with physical disabilities who need accommodations please contact the program committee for assistance.

Conference walk-ins are first-come, first-served (if conference is not sold out) but are not guaranteed a meal.

Cancellations:

If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. Individuals submitting written cancellations will receive a refund less a $75 processing fee. Please email your request to MSPAconference@gmail.com.

Schedule of Events

7:30-8:30: Registration

8:30-10:00: Dr. Kevin McGrew

10:00-10:15: Break

10:15-12:00: Dr. Kevin McGrew

12:00-1:00: Lunch and Annual MSPA Meeting

1:00-2:30: Dr. Kevin McGrew

2:30-2:45: Break

2:45-4:00:Dr. Kevin McGrew

 

Directions to Sheraton Framingham:

From East

Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) West to Exit 12. Bear Left after the toll (turns into Route 9 West towards Framingham). Stay in the right lane. The hotel is the first building on the right.

From North 

Take Interstate 93 South to Exit 37B (Interstate 95 South/Route 128 South towards Waltham).  Follow I-95/Rte. 128 South to Exit 25 (Interstate 90 West/Massachusetts Turnpike).  From the Massachusetts Turnpike take Exit 12 and bear left after the toll (turns into Route 9 West towards Framingham). Stay in the right lane. The hotel is the first building on the right.

From West 

Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) East to Exit 12.  Bear left after the toll (turns into Route 9 West towards Framingham.  Stay in the right lane. The hotel is the first building on the right.

From South 

Take Interstate 95 North to Exit 6B (Interstate 495 North towards Worcester).  Continue on I-495 North for about 25 miles. Take Exit 22 (Massachusetts Turnpike/Interstate 90 East) towards Boston.  Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) East to Exit 12.  Bear left after the toll (turns into Route 9 West towards

Framingham). Stay in the right lane. The hotel is the first building on the right.