Woodcock Munoz Language Test

This is not a test to determine learning disabilities. It is used to measure language ability in people of all ages who are English Language Learners, people whose first language is not English. Schools need to measure children to decide how to best teach them. If your son needs extra help in learning English, he can only get it after he is tested to find out his level of skill in English right now. If your school is like most, your son will be given several tests at different grades, to help the school know if he is learning and if the teachers are doing their jobs.

http://www.assess.nelson.com/test-ind/wmls-r.html

"The Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey Revised (WMLS-R) includes a quick and easy-to-administer screener (four tests), and a more-comprehensive 7-test battery, both designed to measure language proficiency of English language learners (e.g., ESL students). The seven tests that comprise the WMLS-R measure the critical areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing."

These same test can be used to decide which children to put into Gifted and Talented programs because of their advanced abilities. My daughter was given the Woodcock Johnsont test and scored very high and so was put into the G&T program. It is in no way only used to test kids who are suspected of having learning disabilities.

If you are concerned, though, the best person to talk with is your son's teacher. He or she can tell you what their reasons are for giving this test to your son.

R.,

Hi. I used to be a special ed teacher and I tested kids using the Woodcock Johnson Test of Abilities. This is the test we used to qualify students for special ed in the area of Learning Disabilities. I believe the test you are referring to is for assessing kids with a probable language disability. If you are not clear what is being tested or why, please meet with the teacher(s) again and ask questions. Ask them why they are doing this test and who wanted it done. Again, ask lot's of questions until you understand what is going on.

I am not familiar with this test but I was so worried when we took my son to a neurodevelopmental pediatrician a year ago. But then I realized that if there is a problem, there will be a problem no matter if he gets a diagnosis or not. If there is a problem then he can get help. If there is no problem then you don't have to worry anymore! In my case, there was no problem and it changed my life. You might think you are helping your son but you are hurting him if you don't get him evaluated.

Have not heard of Woodcock Munoz Language Test. I have heard of the Woodcock Johnson Language test.

If the school thinks your child needs to be tested then you are doing him a diservice by not allowing it. If he has a learning disability he needs to be diagnosed and provided the appropriate education and services. Learning disability does not mean not smart, it means the child needs a different way to learn because the brain is wired differently. Many kids with learning disabilities have higher IQs than other kids.

Whats the big deal get him tested, if he has a learning disability get him the help that he needs so that he can be successful in school and his life.

The earlier a learning disability is diagnosed and intervention is started the better the outcome. By ignoring your childs possible learning disability you are deny him from being who he is. If he has a learning disability then that is what he has and it is who he is, why would you change him and deny him from his true self. This will only cause him to have low self esteem and lack of confidence. Be proud of him whether he has a learning disability or not. Do your son a favor and let them do the testing.

Sorry for the rambling, its late. Good luck to you

Hi R.,

I know the idea of labeling is really stressful, but if your son needs extra help in a certain area, they will have to test him to figure out his strengths and weakness. Once they know that, they will work with him to make the problem go away. If you don't have him tested, it's likely the problem will persist and give him lots of trouble.

What I really recommend, though, is asking the teacher why they want to give your son this test. You have the right to this information.

Best wishes,

Mira