Intelligence testing supplements other data gathered in the admissions process. The tests administered (WPPSI-IV and WISC-IV) are the most widely used standardized intelligence tests for children. These tests sample a variety of intellectual functioning, including mathematical ability, reasoning skills, and perceptual-motor abilities.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Most children who are being considered for admission to Emerson find the testing to be an enjoyable experience. For the testing to be a positive experience and an accurate reflection of a child's abilities and skills, it is important that he/she not feel anxious or pressured. We recommend that parents downplay the admissions screening aspect of the testing. Children should be well fed, rested, and in good health when brought to the testing appointment. IF A CHILD IS FEELING ILL ON THE DAY OF THE TESTING, THE APPOINTMENT SHOULD BE RESCHEDULED. On average, testing takes one to two hours; during longer testing it would be typical for a child to take a short break. Standardization procedures do not permit parents to be with the child during the testing; parents will be in a waiting room area shown to the child. For kindergarten admission, parents should wait until the child is AT LEAST FOUR AND ONE-HALF YEARS OLD. Testing at this age is more reliable.
AUTHORIZED TESTERS
Emerson has arranged for admission testing to be done at a discounted fee by Jerry Miller, Ph.D. and Associates. Dr. Miller is an experienced Licensed Psychologist who has assessed and worked with gifted children for his entire professional life. He began his career as a Middle School Demonstration Teacher for the Gifted. After earning his Ph.D., he has worked with Emerson since its inception. In addition to directly testing children for the school, he supervised over a thousand applicant testings during the 16 years that he was the Director of the University of Michigan's University Center for the Child and the Family. Dr. Miller has served as a consultant to numerous schools for gifted children, and lectured on the identification, needs and education of gifted children. Dr. Miller's associates are all Licensed Psychologists with extensive experience in testing gifted children, and work under the testing model that Dr. Miller created for Emerson School.
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
The school requests that parents attend an Emerson Open House or school tour prior to scheduling a testing appointment for their child. To schedule testing, parents should call Dr. Miller’s office (734) 761-5347. Testing is conducted both at Dr. Miller’s office and at Emerson. Parents should call early to make testing appointments. Kindergarten candidates should schedule testing in February. The entire application must be completed by the end of the first week in March for the candidate to be considered in the first round of admissions.
THE TEST REPORT
All test information is treated in an objective and statistically standardized manner, while reflecting the individual performance of each child. The final test report will generally be completed and mailed to Emerson School and the parents within one week of the appointment. The test results are confidential to the Emerson School Admissions Committee. Information regarding the testing will not be shared with any other parties.