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There’s a lot happening over here as we develop the new WAIS-5. We wanted to share our latest updates as we get closer to releasing this new assessment. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale®, Fifth Edition (WAIS®-5) is the most advanced psychometric measure of cognitive abilities and now it can be administered in less time. And that is not all! WAIS-5 also features updated norms, expanded clinical utility, and improved user experience.

Check out the latest details on these enhancements, plus learn about five of the new subtests.

Jump for joy! BOT-3 is coming soon!

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency™, Third Edition (BOT™-3) is one of the most-anticipated product updates of the year, and we know you’ve got questions! We sat down with the BOT-3 authors, Drs. Brett and Bob Bruininks, to talk about customer- and research-led updates to this widely used motor skills assessment, and all the new features you can expect to see when it releases later this year.

The steady integration of technology in the classroom has ushered in a proliferation of digital assessments, which offer immense promise to reduce educator workloads and give them better insight into their students’ unique learning needs. Yet for all the ease they provide, digital assessments shouldn’t be deployed as a plug-and-play solution, at least initially. Without proper preparation, you run the risk of yielding inaccurate results, technical difficulties and even testing irregularities.

Districts considering digital assessments should realize that the outcomes will only be as strong as the efforts they invest in professional development for the educators using them. Comprehensive training should cover big-picture issues, such as how to choose the most relevant assessment, work as a team, and appropriately analyze and apply the insights gleaned. It also should include logistical components, like standardizing administration, navigating the online testing platform, troubleshooting issues, utilizing accessibility features and upholding security protocols.

Every educator knows that most children thrive on routine, particularly in early childhood.  

Working in early education is often a joy-filled experience because we get to watch children blossom over the course of the school year and gain confidence with each new skill and interest they acquire. 

Early childhood educators and allied professionals realize the benefits of fostering an environment that embraces every child’s distinctive self-expression. We also realize that children reach milestones at different times and in different ways.

However, part of our professional role is determining when some of our child’s individual “quirks” or reticence may indicate a need for further support. Assessments can help distinguish individuality or preferences from potential issues that might require intervention. While we never want to extinguish a child’s spark, early identification of developmental delays allows us to nurture areas where they might need an extra boost during prime learning windows and help set them on a positive path for their learning future.

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency™ (BOT™) was the first standardized test I came across on my first fieldwork placement as an occupational therapy student. Back then, it came in a clunky metal case and used real pennies for the coin activities (I'm showing my age now!) Like many therapists, I feel like I've "grown up with” the BOT so I'm thrilled to be part of the team bringing the original BOT's “grandchild” — the BOT™-3 — into the world! We are all excited about this new edition, and we think you will be too!

Here's a preview of some of the changes you can expect to see in this latest version.

As social media use surges among youth, educators are grappling with the need to manage device disturbances — while acknowledging that technology use is embedded in education. Although educators embrace digital tools to help surface diverse viewpoints, boost engagement and save time, clear guidelines are necessary to keep students on task during the school day and promote digital responsibility.

As schools and districts aim to set consistent rules for device and social media usage, they should embrace a balanced approach that fosters a safe, supportive learning environment while minimizing distractions and risky behavior. Here are five guidelines to consider.