A new chapter in literacy assessment — what to know about the WIAT-4 Canadian
Canada is on the forefront of literacy, and educators now have a new resource in their toolbox with the introduction of the WIAT-4: Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Fourth Edition Canadian (WIAT-4 CDN). Developed after extensive research and based on robust feedback from educators, the WIAT-4 CDN is a game changer in literacy assessment. Highlights include new subtests to assess reading and writing fluency; updated scoring options, including a new phonological processing composite score; and a Dyslexia Index Score that supports efficient, reliable screening.
Overall, the WIAT-4 CDN’s updated content and process are designed to help clinicians and educators better support students and fulfill lofty national goals, such as those outlined in the 2022 Ontario Human Rights Commission Right to Read inquiry report.
New subtests correlate with renewed reading goals
As Canadian educators know, reading skills are being re-examined. This is, in part, due to Ontario’s efforts, which, among other recommendations, identified the importance of “curriculum and instruction that reflects the scientific research on the best approaches to teach word reading.”
The result? A significant shift in how educators teach evidence-based reading skills. Students are now expected to have a better understanding of sound-letter relationships, develop phonics knowledge and use specific vocabulary.
While the recommendations have held significant influence over the curriculum in Ontario, the best practices they are discovering are likely to eventually affect all provinces. Undoubtedly, the other provinces are closely watching Ontario’s progress and considering how to implement similar recommendations into their own curricula.
Helping students build a strong foundation in language and literacy skills during early childhood is essential to ensuring they can excel not only in school, but outside, as well. The revisions to the WIAT-4 CDN provide valuable insights into student performance that integrate well with this new framework. Consequently, clinicians can more quickly identify struggling students and develop proper intervention plans. And, because it’s available digitally on both Q-global and Q-interactive, it can help promote equity and streamline administrative processes.
Dyslexia at the forefront
As part of the national reading focus, there has been a heightened focus on dyslexia. For example, British Columbia has recently announced new funding designated for early screening and interventions for students with dyslexia. While this is encouraging, it’s crucial to recognize that funding is just one aspect of addressing reading challenges. Access is another hurdle, and it’s vital that provinces consider how they can be most effective with funding.
For example, we know the need is great, which means districts may lack resources to adequately test everyone. Yet, universal screening is the gold standard for ensuring students receive the support they need. That’s where the WIAT-4 CDN can be an incredible asset with its dyslexia screening that consists of a brief assessment that will quickly help identify those students who are likely to need extra support. Those students can then participate in a full assessment, thereby ensuring the funding is directed toward those who need it most.
While this dyslexia funding is specific to British Columbia, as with Ontario’s reading focus, we know that successful initiatives in one province often motivate other provinces to adopt similar practices. Ideally, we will see that this investment improves reading outcomes, providing a road map for other provinces to advocate for additional funding in their own province.
On a larger scale, such as with Ontario’s Right to Read initiative, we are encouraged that implementing evidence-based best practices will raise equity and achievement among students, leading to a sea change in Canada. Ultimately, these initiatives play a crucial role in affirming the belief that reading is a fundamental right for all individuals in Canada, and we are pleased to support efforts through professional development and resources designed to help all students flourish.
The WIAT-4 CDN is now available to order on all digital platforms as well as paper-and-pencil administration.
We are excited at the possibilities offered by the introduction of WIAT-4 CDN to help cultivate these journeys to success. For additional information about WIAT-4 CDN, including details on pricing or signing up for professional training, check out the product page. For further questions about this assessment — or another assessment within our library — and their ability to help boost student achievement and confidence, contact the Pearson team.