blog-listing-1

Welcome to
The Elevation Point

At Riverside Insights, we believe every student has untapped potential—and every educator deserves the tools to unlock it. The Elevation Point is your hub for stories, strategies, and research that provide pathways to equitable learning, informed instruction, and confident decision-making. Because when we elevate understanding, we elevate potential.


Let’s rise together.

Featured Posts


Posts

WJ V Test Spotlight: Strengthen Cognitive Insights with the Visual Working Memory Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Strengthen Cognitive Insights with the Visual Working Memory Test!
Introducing the WJ V Visual Working Memory Test Working memory is essential for learning—it allows students to temporarily hold and manipula...
New Norms for Widely Used Iowa Assessments™ Provide Fresh Insights Into Post-Pandemic Student Achievement
1 min read
New Norms for Widely Used Iowa Assessments™ Provide Fresh Insights Into Post-Pandemic Student Achievement
Trusted by educators for nearly 90 years, the Iowa Assessments provide the most current and nationally representative normative comparison f...
Smarter SLD Identification: How the WJ V Supports More Accurate and Meaningful Evaluations
3 min read
Smarter SLD Identification: How the WJ V Supports More Accurate and Meaningful Evaluations
Identifying specific learning disabilities (SLD) is one of the most complex yet essential responsibilities for school psychologists and educ...
New Research Finds that Mental Health Screener Can Help School Psychologists Identify Student Needs Earlier
2 min read
New Research Finds that Mental Health Screener Can Help School Psychologists Identify Student Needs Earlier
In nationwide study, latest prototype of DESSA risk screener enabled early identification of hidden risk factors among middle school student...
Equivalence of Remote and In-Person Administration of the Woodcock-Johnson V Tests of Cognitive Abilities and Achievement
1 min read
Equivalence of Remote and In-Person Administration of the Woodcock-Johnson V Tests of Cognitive Abilities and Achievement
Equivalence of Remote and In-Person Administration of the Woodcock-Johnson® V Tests of Cognitive Abilities and Achievement
How Miscategorizing ML Students Costs Them Opportunities – and Costs Your District Millions
2 min read
How Miscategorizing ML Students Costs Them Opportunities – and Costs Your District Millions
In K–12 education, multilingual learners (MLs) face unique and complex challenges. Many come from homes without strong English-language supp...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Explore Comprehension-Knowledge with the Academic Facts Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Explore Comprehension-Knowledge with the Academic Facts Test!
Introducing the WJ V Academic Facts Test Factual knowledge across subjects lays the foundation for academic engagement, comprehension, and p...
CogAT® Releases Post-Pandemic Norms; Nation's Largest Sample Sets New Bar for Research-Backed Ability Assessment
2 min read
CogAT® Releases Post-Pandemic Norms; Nation's Largest Sample Sets New Bar for Research-Backed Ability Assessment
Grounded in data from more than 2.8 million assessments, updated age- and grade-based norms offer the nation’s largest and most representati...
Educator Spotlight: How Dr. Ray Sanchez Is Revolutionizing Multilingual Education in Tarrytown Schools
3 min read
Educator Spotlight: How Dr. Ray Sanchez Is Revolutionizing Multilingual Education in Tarrytown Schools
Ray Sanchez is an educator with over 25 years of experience working in public schools in New York State. Since 2023, he has served as the su...
From Paper to Tablet: The Digital Launch of the Woodcock-Johnson V
1 min read
From Paper to Tablet: The Digital Launch of the Woodcock-Johnson V
For decades, psychological assessment batteries like the Woodcock-Johnson series were administered exclusively through paper booklets, stimu...
Striking the Balance: Smarter Testing Practices for School Psychologists and Diagnosticians
3 min read
Striking the Balance: Smarter Testing Practices for School Psychologists and Diagnosticians
In school evaluations, testing serves as a critical tool to understand a student’s needs, guide interventions, and ensure appropriate educat...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Quickly Assess Number Sense with the Magnitude Comparison Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Quickly Assess Number Sense with the Magnitude Comparison Test!
Introducing the Magnitude Comparison Test Before students can solve equations or apply math to real-world problems, they must first develop ...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Build Number Foundations with the Number Sense Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Build Number Foundations with the Number Sense Test!
Introducing the Number Sense Test A strong understanding of numbers is the cornerstone of math learning. Number sense supports everything fr...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Support Writing Fluency with the Letter Writing Fluency Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Support Writing Fluency with the Letter Writing Fluency Test!
Introducing the Letter Writing Fluency Test Fluency in writing begins with the ability to quickly access and produce letters—a skill that fo...
Use of the WJ V for Populations with Sensory Impairments
1 min read
Use of the WJ V for Populations with Sensory Impairments
Assessment Service Bulletin Use of the WJ V for Populations with Sensory Impairments
WJ V Test Spotlight: Unlock Language Reasoning with the Verbal Analogies Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Unlock Language Reasoning with the Verbal Analogies Test!
Introducing the WJ V Verbal Analogies Test Understanding relationships between concepts is a key component of language development and highe...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Promote Math Reasoning with the Math Problem Identification Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Promote Math Reasoning with the Math Problem Identification Test!
Introducing the WJ V Math Problem Identification Test Mathematical success isn’t just about solving equations—it’s also about understanding ...
Empowering Bilingual Assessment with WJ V and Batería IV
1 min read
Empowering Bilingual Assessment with WJ V and Batería IV
Empowering Bilingual Assessment with WJ V and Batería IV
WJ V Test Spotlight: Support Expressive Language with the Oral Language Samples Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Support Expressive Language with the Oral Language Samples Test!
Introducing the WJ V Oral Language Samples Test Oral expression is a vital skill for academic success and everyday communication. It reflect...
Ainsley Conner’s Commitment to Enhancing Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students
2 min read
Ainsley Conner’s Commitment to Enhancing Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students
Ainsley Conner is an educator truly dedicated to gifted education – not only is she an academic specialist in the Advanced Learner Programs ...
Is the Woodcock-Johnson V (WJ V) Biased? Understanding the Research and Review Process
1 min read
Is the Woodcock-Johnson V (WJ V) Biased? Understanding the Research and Review Process
Is the Woodcock-Johnson V (WJ V) Biased? Understanding the Research and Review Process The WJ V Technical Manual provides detailed insights ...
How to Effectively Support English Learners with WMLS III in an MTSS System
2 min read
How to Effectively Support English Learners with WMLS III in an MTSS System
How to Effectively Support English Learners with WMLS III in an MTSS System In today's diverse educational landscape, supporting English Lea...
Roberto Cruze’s Mission for More Equitable GT Enrollment in TUSD
2 min read
Roberto Cruze’s Mission for More Equitable GT Enrollment in TUSD
Since 2019, Roberto Cruze has been leading the charge to create more equitable gifted and talented (G&T) enrollment strategies at Tucson Uni...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Strengthen Phonemic Awareness with the Rapid Phoneme Naming Test
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Strengthen Phonemic Awareness with the Rapid Phoneme Naming Test
Introducing the WJ V Rapid Phoneme Naming Test Phonemic awareness is a foundational skill for literacy development, influencing reading flue...
From Numbers to Insights: Making Sense of Standardized Test Scores with the WJ V
2 min read
From Numbers to Insights: Making Sense of Standardized Test Scores with the WJ V
From Numbers to Insights: Making Sense of Standardized Test Scores with the WJ V Understanding test scores can feel like deciphering a secre...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Assess Listening Comprehension with the Story Comprehension Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Assess Listening Comprehension with the Story Comprehension Test!
Introducing the WJ V Story Comprehension Test Strong listening comprehension skills are essential for language development and overall acade...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Identify Reading Challenges Early with the Paragraph Reading Comprehension Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Identify Reading Challenges Early with the Paragraph Reading Comprehension Test!
Introducing the WJ V Paragraph Reading Comprehension Test Developing strong reading comprehension skills is essential for academic growth, y...
Educator Spotlight: Audra Rowell’s Mission to Expand Gifted Education in Northwest ISD
2 min read
Educator Spotlight: Audra Rowell’s Mission to Expand Gifted Education in Northwest ISD
Audra Rowell has been a driving force in gifted education for over thirty years, ensuring gifted learners receive the opportunities and supp...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Boost Early Literacy Development with the Rapid Letter Naming Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Boost Early Literacy Development with the Rapid Letter Naming Test!
Introducing the WJ V Rapid Letter Naming Test Early literacy development depends on strong cognitive and linguistic processing. However, rea...
Enhancing Evaluation Accuracy with Updated Norms and Co-Norming in WJ V
1 min read
Enhancing Evaluation Accuracy with Updated Norms and Co-Norming in WJ V
Unlocking the Power of Updated Norms and Co-Norming for More Accurate Evaluations
WJ V Test Spotlight: Transform Writing Assessments with the Sentence Writing Accuracy Test!
1 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Transform Writing Assessments with the Sentence Writing Accuracy Test!
Introducing the WJ V Sentence Writing Accuracy Test Welcome to the next post in our WJ V Test Spotlight series, where we showcase innovative...
Riverside Insights Launches the Woodcock-Johnson V: A Legacy of Trust, Reimagined for Today’s Educational Needs
A super quick read.
Riverside Insights Launches the Woodcock-Johnson V: A Legacy of Trust, Reimagined for Today’s Educational Needs
Riverside Insights Launches the Woodcock-Johnson V: A Legacy of Trust, Reimagined for Today’s Educational Needs The WJ V delivers precision,...
CogAT Wins Excellence in Equity Award for Multilingual Learning Innovation
2 min read
CogAT Wins Excellence in Equity Award for Multilingual Learning Innovation
At Riverside Insights, we believe every student deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background. That’s why we’re thrilled...
WJ V Test Spotlight: Revolutionize Cognitive Assessment with the New Matrices Test!
2 min read
WJ V Test Spotlight: Revolutionize Cognitive Assessment with the New Matrices Test!
Introducing the WJ V Matrices Test Welcome to the first post in our WJ V Test Spotlight series, where we highlight exciting new tests in the...
Educator Spotlight: Christine Williamson and Her Mission to Transform Gifted Education at KIPP New Jersey
2 min read
Educator Spotlight: Christine Williamson and Her Mission to Transform Gifted Education at KIPP New Jersey
Christine Williamson, Director of Gifted and Talented at KIPP New Jersey, is on a mission to transform how her schools identify and support ...
ESGI™ Awarded Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 Product Certification
2 min read
ESGI™ Awarded Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 Product Certification
Washington, D.C. -- ESGI (Educational Software for Guiding Instruction), the industry-leading platform that provides actionable insights to ...
Getting Value and Equity from Your Universal Screening Process: A Comprehensive Approach
4 min read
Getting Value and Equity from Your Universal Screening Process: A Comprehensive Approach
Universal screening has been a game-changer in identifying gifted and talented students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds....
Demystifying Age and Grade Equivalent Norms in Educational Assessments
1 min read
Demystifying Age and Grade Equivalent Norms in Educational Assessments
Demystifying Age and Grade Equivalent Norms in Educational Assessments
From Data to Action: How easyCBM Transforms Student Assessment
3 min read
From Data to Action: How easyCBM Transforms Student Assessment
It’s no secret that the ability to identify students who need extra support is like having a superpower. That’s where easyCBM® comes in—a ga...
Understanding Student Potential: The Role of Ability Data
1 min read
Understanding Student Potential: The Role of Ability Data
We often know what students have achieved through tests and quizzes, but do we understand how they learn? With widening opportunity gaps, an...
Using Ability Tests in Gifted and Talented Programs: Key Insights
2 min read
Using Ability Tests in Gifted and Talented Programs: Key Insights
Understanding Student Profiles: How Ability Tests Help
Item Fairness Evaluation of the Woodcock-Johnson V Norming Items
A super quick read.
Item Fairness Evaluation of the Woodcock-Johnson V Norming Items
Item Fairness Evaluation of the Woodcock-Johnson® V Norming Items
easyCBM Provides Three References for Interpreting Student Performance
4 min read
easyCBM Provides Three References for Interpreting Student Performance
Reference points are essential for interpreting student performance and determining instructional decisions. For example, knowing that a stu...
New Partnership to Keep Schools Safe Through Modern Student Wellness
1 min read
New Partnership to Keep Schools Safe Through Modern Student Wellness
New Partnership Allows Educators to Enhance Student Well-Being and Safety in Schools, Adding Mental Health to Riverside Insights' Existing P...
The Referral Rush – What to Do?
4 min read
The Referral Rush – What to Do?
As we move away from the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects on student learning become more apparent and the number of referrals is increasing. ...
Gifted under-identification: How to improve diverse student access to gifted programming
A super quick read.
Gifted under-identification: How to improve diverse student access to gifted programming
Gifted under-identification: How to improve diverse student access to gifted programming
“Stretch or Support” Student Ability with Data – and Games!
3 min read
“Stretch or Support” Student Ability with Data – and Games!
Kids like games – but on occasion, they don’t particularly enjoy learning in school. What happens when schools systematically incorporate ga...
Edtech Predictions for 2024
2 min read
Edtech Predictions for 2024
eSchoolNews recently asked a wide-ranging group of education experts – including three Riverside Insights contributors – to share their 2024...
Navigating the Challenges of Identifying SLD and ID
2 min read
Navigating the Challenges of Identifying SLD and ID
When it comes to identifying and diagnosing Specific Learning Disability (SLD) and Intellectual Disability (ID), it is crucial to examine a ...
Debut of CogAT.com Portal
A super quick read.
Riverside Insights Debuts All-New CogAT.com
Riverside Insights Debuts CogAT.com Portal to Support Strengths-based, Differentiated Learning that Helps All Students Thrive New CogAT in t...
Benchmark and Progress Monitoring Early Literacy and Math Skills With Your Littlest Learners
3 min read
Benchmark and Progress Monitoring Early Literacy and Math Skills With Your Littlest Learners
The first few years of a child’s life are the most critical, as a staggering 90% of a child’s brain growth occurs between birth and age 5. T...
Cognitive-Academic Language Proficiency & the WJ V
5 min read
Cognitive-Academic Language Proficiency & the WJ V
Cognitive-Academic Language Proficiency (CALP Score) Applications for English Language Learners and Beyond
This Child is Gifted. Now What?
2 min read
This Child is Gifted. Now What?
School communities often have robust processes for identifying gifted and talented students through assessments like the Cognitive Abilities...
WJ IV Language-loaded
3 min read
Are the WJ IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities Language-loaded? One Evaluator's Perspective
Why Language Loading is Actually Important: A Unique Lens into a Student's Functioning
Supporting Emerging Bilinguals: Part 2
2 min read
Supporting Emerging Bilinguals: Part 2
Part 2: Servicing Emerging Bilingual Students in Gifted Education
Enhance Quantitative Reasoning Skills
3 min read
Enhance Quantitative Reasoning Skills
Students in all grade levels have varying levels of readiness that require differentiation of instruction. However, some states like New Yor...
Supporting Emerging Bilinguals: Part 1
2 min read
Supporting Emerging Bilinguals: Part 1
How do we find the sweet spot of intersectionality between gifted and Emergent Bilingual?
Beyond Eligibility: How Do I Know if What I’m Doing is Working?
3 min read
Looking Beyond the Standard Score in Childhood Examinations
Beyond Eligibility: How Do I Know if What I’m Doing is Working?
Adapting Your Approach to Early Childhood Assessments
2 min read
Adapting Your Approach to Early Childhood Assessments
In the realm of child development, early childhood assessments are valuable and informative, promoting a child’s success both within and bey...
Family reading a book
2 min read
A Parent's Guide to Ability and Student Learning
The Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) is an assessment given in many school systems to provide a view into a student’s reasoning abilities....
The Latest on Assessment from Northwestern CTD
A super quick read.
The Latest on Assessment from Northwestern CTD
"Classroom instruction is the reason why we have assessment in schools. We want to help our educators understand what students know and are ...
How to Target Your Skills as an Early Childhood Examiner
2 min read
How to Target Your Skills as an Early Childhood Examiner
The early years are a critical time in a child’s development. As such, it is essential that parents, caregivers, and educators monitor a chi...
A Structured and Systematized Approach to Progress Monitoring
2 min read
A Structured and Systematized Approach to Progress Monitoring
As educators, we understand the importance of monitoring students' progress during the year. Yet, how do we effectively and efficiently impl...
Supporting ELs in Class: Instruction is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
A super quick read.
Supporting ELs in Class: Instruction is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Making small changes in the classroom can make a big impact for all students, possibly a life-changing one for English learners.
From Paper to Tablet: The Digital Adaptation of the Woodcock-Johnson IV
2 min read
From Paper to Tablet: The Digital Adaptation of the Woodcock-Johnson IV
Psychological assessment batteries have typically been administered in-person, using a variety of paper booklets and CDs. Recently, a digita...
Take Your Analysis to the Next Level with the WJ IV
6 min read
Take Your Analysis to the Next Level with the WJ IV
Meet Sarah, Jacob and Janine. Get comfortable with WJ IV test analysis using these fictional student test scenarios.
5 Practical Ways to Support English Learners in the Classroom
1 min read
5 Practical Ways to Support English Learners in the Classroom
Using common sense tactics, teachers can help English learners overcome hurdles and achieve in the classroom
Predictions for Gifted Education in 2023
1 min read
Predictions for Gifted Education in 2023
New York City’s decision to put on hold the city’s gifted programming has sparked discussions nationwide around the impact and equity of gif...
Supercharge Data Discussions with the Iowa Assessments
2 min read
Supercharge Data Discussions with the Iowa Assessments
"Normative information can be used as a measure of growth and is especially valuable in times of change and interruption."
Beyond GT Identification banner
3 min read
Beyond GT Identification: Are your students actually making academic gains?
"While assessing students and identifying them for appropriate instructional services is important, what we as educators do after that is ev...
Relative Proficiency Index banner
3 min read
Describing Abilities Using the Relative Proficiency Index (RPI)
Describing Abilities Using the Relative Proficiency Index (RPI)
Best Practices for Gifted Placement and Programming
3 min read
Best Practices for Gifted Placement and Programming
Best Practices for Gifted Placement and Programming
Why Universal Screening is a more Equitable Identifier of Gifted and Talented Students
A super quick read.
Why Universal Screening is a more Equitable Identifier of Gifted Students
Why universal screening is a more equitable identifier of gifted and talented students
Destination Data Insights: It's Time to Celebrate Student Achievement & Growth
2 min read
Destination, Data Insights: Celebrate Student Achievement & Growth!
Destination, Data Insights: It's Time to Celebrate Student Achievement & Growth!
Why Choose CogAT banner
3 min read
Voice of a Gifted Coordinator: Why CogAT for Gifted Identification?
Why Should Schools and Districts Choose the Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) for Gifted Indentification? Adam Laningham, previously the Gi...
Being Creative in Amplifying Student Potential
2 min read
For Educators By Educators: Being Creative in Amplifying Student Potential
Who said class had to be boring? Students can learn unique skills through classroom creativity.
Case Study: Introducing Multiple Pathways to Enable Talented Students
A super quick read.
Case Study: Introducing Multiple Pathways to Enable Talented Students
“As we do this, there’s going to be more students at every school that will qualify for service because we’ve frankly been overlooking peopl...
Riverside Wins Inaugural Accessibility Award from Excellence in Equity
2 min read
Riverside Wins Inaugural Accessibility Award from Excellence in Equity
Equity begins with accessibility. At Riverside, we believe that equity means understanding how all students learn best so that we can give e...
Destination, Data Insights: Implementing Quick Checks of Learning to Accelerate Student Knowledge
2 min read
Destination, Data Insights: Implementing Quick Checks of Learning to Accelerate Student Knowledge
Destination, Data Insights: Implementing Quick Checks of Learning to Accelerate Student Knowledge
For Educators By Educators: Over-testing our kids (and what to do about it)
2 min read
For Educators By Educators: Over-testing our kids (and what to do about it)
Our students are over-tested. What can we do about it? Over-testing students is a widespread issue among schools that can undermine the effi...
What the Test?
2 min read
What the Test? Explore the Advantages of Selective Testing
Don't ask this - What the test? Instead ask - Which tests should I select to complete the most effective and efficient evaluation? With incr...
Validating Your Data in the Assessment of English Learners
6 min read
Go Beyond The Standard Score: Validating Your Data when Assessing ELs
Considering context is essential to a valid EL evaluation. The assessment of English learners (EL) has been a challenge for psychologists an...
Best Practices for Progress Monitoring: Part 3
2 min read
Best Practices for Progress Monitoring: Part 3
A Fireside Chat with Rutherford County: Best Practices for Progress Monitoring Part 3
Cognitively Speaking: A Closer Look at Local Norms
1 min read
Cognitively Speaking: A Closer Look at Local Norms
A Deeper Dive into Local Norms Gifted and talented services are most effective when they serve students for whom the standard curriculum is ...
Riverside Insights Acquires Aperture Education
1 min read
Riverside Insights Acquires Aperture Education
Riverside Insights Acquires Aperture Education Riverside’s Achievement and Ability Assessments Combine with Aperture’s Rigorous SEL Tools to...
Best Practices for Progress Monitoring: Part 1
2 min read
Best Practices for Progress Monitoring: Part 1
A Fireside Chat with Rutherford County: Best Practices for Progress Monitoring - Part 1
Create Robust Intervention Systems District-wide
2 min read
Create Robust Intervention Systems District-wide
Create Robust Intervention Systems District-wide: A Fireside Chat with Rutherford County
Choose Your Own Adventure: An EL Case Study on Data Validation and Interpretation
1 min read
Choose Your Own Adventure: An EL Case Study on Data Validation and Interpretation
A Fireside Chat with Dr. Pedro Olvera: An EL Case Study on Data Validation and Interpretation
Ability Data banner
3 min read
Ability Data: Bridging the Gap Between Student Potential & Achievement
Ability Data: Bridging the Gap Between Student Potential and Student Achievement
An image of children crossing the street.
1 min read
Assessment Crosswalks: A New Tool for Your Assessment Toolkit
Riverside Insights is pleased to offer Assessment Crosswalks for the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Third Edition (BDI-3®).
Beyond BDI-3® : Using the BEAS to Screen for Dyslexia
3 min read
Beyond BDI-3® : Using the BEAS to Screen for Dyslexia
Go beyond BDI-3 and discover how the BEAS addition can support dyslexia screening and intervention initiatives.
Beyond BDI-3® : Using the BEAS to Screen for Dyscalculia
2 min read
Beyond BDI-3® : Using the BEAS to Screen for Dyscalculia
Go beyond BDI-3 and discover how the BEAS addition can support dyscalculia screening and intervention initiatives.
Riverside Launches New Tests to Support Learning Needs in Arabic
1 min read
Riverside Launches New Tests to Support Learning Needs in Arabic
Riverside Insights Launches First Intelligence and Achievement Assessments for the Arab-Speaking World
Spot Algebra Readiness and Intervention Needs with the IAAT™
1 min read
Spot Algebra Readiness and Intervention Needs with the IAAT™
Your students need to pass Algebra I. Here are the critical first steps to ensure they do.
Quick Steps to Support Learning Growth for ALL Students Year-Round
2 min read
Quick Steps to Support Learning Growth for ALL Students Year-Round
We don’t know what students learned these past two years. Here are 3 steps to find out.
Assessment Solutions: Made to Help You Streamline Your Evaluations
1 min read
Assessment Solutions: A New Way to Streamline Your Evaluations
Navigate a cluttered testing world. Use the new Targeted Assessment Solutions to strategize testing plans and get the results you need to be...
CogAT Selected for Statewide Universal Screening in Arizona
A super quick read.
CogAT Selected for Statewide Universal Screening in Arizona
Arizona Department of Education Selects Riverside’s CogAT for Statewide Universal Screening of all Second-Grade Students for Gifted Educatio...
Assessment Plan Blog Banner
2 min read
Assessment Plan: A Guide for Evaluating Intellectual Disabilities
Assessment Planning for Intellectual Disabilities Intellectual Disability (ID) is recognized in the field of education by Federal mandates (...
ECAD banner with children reading
2 min read
Early Childhood Assessment: Utility of the WJ IV ECAD®
In the context of early childhood development, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns for early childhood professionals related to educat...
Dyscalculia Assessment Plan banner
4 min read
Assessment Plan: A Guide to Evaluating for Dyscalculia
Assessment Considerations for Dyscalculia: Using the WJ IV COG & ACH According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,...
Strategies to Address Test Anxiety Before, During, and After Assessments
5 min read
Strategies to Address Test Anxiety Before, During, and After Assessments
In Part 1, we defined Test Anxiety and common signals that students are anxious about an assessment. We also discussed some general best pra...
What is Test Anxiety and How to Ease Student Concerns
4 min read
What is Test Anxiety and How to Ease Student Concerns
This past school year has been difficult for students, families, and educators for a multitude of reasons, and so many of the stressors have...
Photo of the title,
A super quick read.
Cognitively Speaking: Why and How to Use Local Norms
Why do schools need local norms? Case #1 EWS An extremely wealthy suburb (EWS) in the Northeast has a problem. They have “too many gifted st...
Exploring Models to Address Learning Gaps for ELs
5 min read
Exploring Models to Address Learning Gaps for ELs
The new school year has begun, and most children are eagerly returning to their classrooms. For most students, it’s been approximately eight...
Skip, Repeat, or Intervene: Considerations for Students with IEP
2 min read
Skip, Repeat, or Intervene: Considerations for Students with IEP
Many students with IEPs missed valuable instruction time during the 2020-2021 school year, and educators are wondering how to make up for in...
ADHD assessment banner
4 min read
Tips for ADHD Assessment using the WJ IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. According to the National Survey of Chi...
Beyond the Basic Battery: Increasing your Comfort Level with the WJ IV
4 min read
Beyond the Basic Battery: Increasing your Comfort Level with the WJ IV
There are many tools that school psychologists can use to help determine eligibility for special education as well as gather information on ...
Implementing Differentiation in the Classroom: 4 Key Questions Answered
3 min read
Implementing Differentiation in the Classroom: 4 Key Questions Answered
Differentiating instruction has been a topic of conversation among educational researchers and educators alike in recent years. But what is ...
A picture of school supplies with the title
3 min read
Testing Tips for Effective (and Efficient) use of the WJ IV™ ACH
How many of these statements resonate with you? I am concerned about an increase in the number of referrals for special education assessment...
ESGI Survey: What are Some Early Childhood Educators Reporting?
A super quick read.
ESGI Survey: What are Some Early Childhood Educators Reporting?
Nearly 50% of Teachers Report Pre-K through First Grade Students have Suffered Large Learning Losses, ESGI Survey Finds Early childhood educ...
Impacts of the WJ IV Tests of Oral Language: A Series of Case Studies
4 min read
Impacts of the WJ IV Tests of Oral Language: A Series of Case Studies
As a school psychologist, I am always looking for that balance in tests that I select when assessing for special education considerations. I...
4 Steps for Adjusting the IEP Process this Fall
10 min read
4 Steps for Adjusting the IEP Process this Fall
As I shared last school year, writing individualized education programs (IEPs) can get a bad reputation. Before, educators were concerned ab...
Making Meaning of Scores banner
1 min read
Making Meaning of Scores: A Refresher in Understanding Standardized Assessment Scores
Are you preparing for parent meetings and written report reviews and realizing you haven’t explained assessment scores in a while?
BDI-2 vs BDI-3
A super quick read.
BDI-2 vs BDI-3: It's No 'Apples to Apples' in the Assessment World
In the world of assessment, there are tried-and-true measures which have always been used to gather information to guide decision making. Th...
Bridging the Learning Gap for your SpEd Students banner
5 min read
6 Strategies to Help Bridge the Learning Gap for your SpEd Students
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. For more information, be sure to check out 4 Considerations for Planning to Address the COVID Learning ...
CARES ACT Image
3 min read
What the New Emergency Relief Funds May Mean for Special Education Leaders
New emergency relief funds of $54 billion dollars announced to support schools ongoing educational and learning needs in COVID-19 Additional...
Young student upset and frustrated with school
3 min read
The Risks of NOT Testing -- How the Absence of Data Impacts Students
How can the absence of assessment data impact a student's potential for learning? The notion of assessment in education has taken a negative...
early childhood learner acting as a scientist during play-based learning
6 min read
Play-based Learning: Looking at Early Learners as 'Little Scientists'
Check out Part 1 of our Play-based Learning series. Encourage Play-Based Learning to Help Reach Developmental Milestones I am lucky to have ...
7 Tips to Support your Special Education Classroom SEL.
6 min read
SEL in Special Education: 7 Tips for Supporting Your Students Part 3
In the second installment of our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) series, we explored student-created classroom expectations and SEL check-in...
SEL Classroom Tips Infographic
3 min read
SEL in Special Education: 7 Tips for Supporting Your Students Part 2
"Every single year, before I can even believe it, students are referencing the class expectations and helping each other to stay on track. I...
Young special ed student upset while remote learning.
6 min read
It's Vital to Introduce SEL into Your Special Education Classroom and Here's Why:
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is more important now than ever before as educators need tools to navigate student well-being in remote or h...
Riverside Insights partners with Aperture Education a DESSA company.
A super quick read.
Riverside Insights Welcomes DESSA to its Portfolio of Assessments
The evidence-based DESSA from Aperture Education provides actionable data to help schools confidently meet students’ individual social-emoti...
Why Schools are Moving to Online Testing and Why You Should Too [Free Downloadable]
2 min read
Why Schools are Moving to Online Testing and Why You Should Too [Free Downloadable]
“I have been assessing students with the CogAT screener all summer with much success! There has been very little troubleshooting that has be...
BDI-3
1 min read
Riverside Insights Launches the Battelle® Developmental Inventory, Third Edition™
Riverside Insights Launches Battelle Early Childhood Assessment with Updated Data Validity, Digital Administration and Subscription Pricing ...
Computer screen showing the CogAT logo.
2 min read
Using CogAT® to Guide Learning During and After COVID-19
As school systems work through their plans for the return to school, whether back-to-the-classroom, remote or e-learning, or a blend, every ...
Cartoon image of man with exposed brain and question marks on top
5 min read
How CogAT® Provides Insight into Student Ability and Learning
In our public schools, the most common use of the Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT) is for identification of high ability students for accel...
An image of Dr. Joni Lakin alongside test book covers.
A super quick read.
Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) Explained in 6 Minutes
Has your son or daughter been given CogAT® at school? Or, are you an educator looking to inform parents about what insights CogAT can provid...
Infographic of books stacked with other smaller school-related images.
6 min read
Four Ways to Use Visuals when Teaching English Language Learners
If you were to walk into my high school Language Arts classroom mid-unit you might see students working in cooperative groups using good old...
Spatially Talented Kids: Using this Time of Remote Learning to Develop an Underappreciated Skillset
2 min read
Spatially Talented Kids: Developing an Under-appreciated Skillset
What is spatial reasoning? Why is it important? Spatial thinking skills include the ability to imagine objects and to change or transform th...
Remote Administration of the WJ IV, Bateria IV, and WMLS III
A super quick read.
Remote Administration of the WJ IV, Bateria IV, and WMLS III
Watch this video for information on remote administration of the WJ IV, Bateria IV, and WMLS III.
Students getting equity from universal screening process
1 min read
Getting Value and Equity from Your Universal Screening Process
The Importance of Using the Right Measures for Universal Screening Evidence suggests that universal screening is the most fair and unbiased ...
child playing with blocks
A super quick read.
A Refresher on Basals, Ceilings, and the Complete Page Rule
Watch as Beth Varner, one of our Clinical Assessment Consultants, walks through a refresher on Basals, Celiings, and the Complete Page Rule!
Measuring Reasoning Skills Among English Learner Students
1 min read
Measuring Reasoning Skills Among English Learner Students
Ability tests differ from achievement tests. While achievement tests measure classroom learning, ability tests prompt students to demonstrat...
WMLS III: Comprehensive Assessment, Intervention, and Application
1 min read
WMLS III: Comprehensive Assessment, Intervention, and Application
Assessment Service Bulletin #1 WMLS III: Comprehensive Assessment, Intervention, and Application
Using C-SEP with the WJ IV™: From Theory to Practice
1 min read
Using C-SEP with the WJ IV™: From Theory to Practice
Assessment Service Bulletin #11 The WJ IV™ Core-Selective Evaluation Process Applied to Identification of a Specific Learning Disability
The WJ IV Core-Selective Evaluation Process Applied to Identification of a Specific Learning Disability
1 min read
The WJ IV™ C-SEP Applied to Identify a Specific Learning Disability
Assessment Service Bulletin #8 The WJ IV™ Core-Selective Evaluation Process Applied to Identification of a Specific Learning Disability
Use of the Woodcock-Johnson IV for the Assessment of Dyslexia
1 min read
Use of the Woodcock-Johnson IV for the Assessment of Dyslexia
Assessment Service Bulletin #6 Use of the Woodcock-Johnson® for the Assessment of Dyslexia Click here for the full article. The authors begi...
Using CogAT Score Profiles to Differentiate Instruction; students waving at camera
1 min read
Using CogAT Score Profiles to Differentiate Instruction
School systems are always trying to make the most of their resources, which includes optimizing the uses and benefits of assessments into wh...
Spotlight on Iowa Assessments: Content Validity Evidence in the Item Development Process
2 min read
Spotlight on Iowa Assessments: Content Validity Evidence in the Item Development Process
Test items (questions) are the backbone of every test. They are the manifestation of the content standards, meaning they are the bridge from...
Spotlight on Iowa Assessments: College and Career Readiness
2 min read
Spotlight on Iowa Assessments: College and Career Readiness
Amid the rising costs of college education and an increasing number of students who arrive on campus unprepared for the rigors of postsecond...
Banner of child smiling with headphones on
1 min read
How to Use The Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement and Oral Language: Best Practices for Special Education Teachers
For many special education teachers, the primary use of The Woodcock-Johnson® IV (WJ IV™) is as part of a psychoeducational evaluation condu...
WJ IV banner
1 min read
Getting to Know The Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement and Oral Language: An Introduction for Special Education Teachers
The Woodcock-Johnson® IV (WJ IV™) suite of assessments offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use method of evaluating academic and academic-relate...
WJ IV COG Core Tests banner
2 min read
The WJ IV COG Core Tests and the C-SEP Model
The WJ IV™ Tests of Cognitive Abilities’ (WJ IV COG; Schrank, McGrew, & Mather, 2014) core test design inspired a commonsense model for spec...
Student getting to know the CogAT
A super quick read.
Getting to Know CogAT
Watch these videos from CogAT co-author, Dr. Joni Lakin to get an introduction and overview of CogAT.
The Many Uses of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey III
A super quick read.
The Many Uses of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey III
Watch this video on the many uses of the Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey III.
Spotlight on Iowa Assessments: Norm-Referenced and Criterion-Referenced Interpretations
1 min read
Spotlight on Iowa Assessments: Norm-Referenced and Criterion-Referenced Interpretations
The purposes of achievement testing are diverse and varied, but the common denominator to all purposes is information. Tests may be formativ...
Using the WMLS III in Your Dyslexia Evaluation
A super quick read.
Using the WMLS III in Your Dyslexia Evaluation
Watch this video on how to use use the WMLS III in your dyslexia evaluation.
Child smiling in classroom
1 min read
Relevance in Cognitive Assessment, the WJ IV COG, and the WIIIP
The Woodcock- Johnson® IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV™ COG) measures the most important cognitive abilities for learning. The new WJ...
Using the WMLS III to Evaluate Dyslexia in English and Spanish Speakers
A super quick read.
Using the WMLS III to Evaluate Dyslexia in English and Spanish Speakers
Watch this video on how to use WMLS III to evaluate dyslexia in English and Spanish speakers.
Kids doing work
1 min read
Evolution and Revolution in CHC Theory and the WJ IV
The Woodcock-Johnson® IV (WJ IV™) (Schrank, McGrew, & Mather, 2014a) represents evolutionary and revolutionary thinking about CHC theory and...
CogAT logo
A super quick read.
An Interview with Dr. Joni Lakin, Author of CogAT
Co-author Dr. Lakin explains how she came to be involved in the development of CogAT and how CogAT can uniquely support instruction for all ...
Use of the WJ IV in School Neuropsychological Assessments
1 min read
Use of the WJ IV in School Neuropsychological Assessments
The three core Woodcock-Johnson® IV (WJ IV™) (Schrank, McGrew, & Mather, 2014) batteries (Tests of Cognitive Abilities [WJ IV COG], Tests of...
Student writing in a classroom
1 min read
Use of the Woodcock-Johnson IV for Dyslexia Evaluations
When used together, the three Woodcock-Johnson® IV (WJ IV™; Schrank, McGrew, & Mather, 2014) batteries (Tests of Cognitive Abilities [WJ IV ...
Student using ability tests in gifted and talented identification programs
A super quick read.
The Essentials: Using Ability Tests in Gifted and Talented Identification Programs
The Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) Form 7 introduced many exciting new features such as a revised Primary Battery and new quantitative i...
Universal screening in gifted and talented identification student taking test
1 min read
Universal Screening in Gifted and Talented Identification: Implementation and Overcoming Challenges
We’ve been excited to see gifted and talented education in so many popular press articles in recent months. One of the motivators of this su...
Introducing Form 8 for CogAT student taking test
A super quick read.
Introducing Form 8 for CogAT
We are excited to announce the introduction of CogAT® Form 8, an equivalent form to CogAT Form 7 . Form 8 preserves all of the exciting new ...