Use of the WISC-IV Spanish and UNIT with CLD Students: A Comparison Study

Abstract

School psychologists who attempt to assess intellectual functioning for culturally and linguistically diverse run into a host of barriers that may impact the validity of test results. In this study, the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children, Fourth Edition Spanish (WISC-IV Spanish) and the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT) were administered to a group of 10 Spanish-speaking children residing in Boquete, Panama. Findings support a strong empirical relationship between the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient of the WISC-IV Spanish to that of the UNIT. Likewise, a strong correlation existed for the Perceptual Reasoning Index of the WISC- IV Spanish, to that of the UNIT FSIQ. The overall aim of the current study was to provide assurance to practicing school psychologists that both measures can be used when working Spanish-speaking students who may be acquiring the English language. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided within the conclusion of the current study.