What is the population sample size?   The WABC® standardization sample included 1,200 children ages 2;6 to 7;11 and closely resembles the U.S. Census 2000 data.

What are the age levels for testing children with the WABC®?   The WABC® contains two age-level tests. Level 1 assesses knowledge and use of basic concepts for ages 2;6 to 5;11. Level 2 assesses knowledge and use of basic concepts for ages 5;0 to 7;11. Children from the ages of 5;0 to 5;11 may take both levels.

How long does it take to administer the WABC®?   Each level of the WABC® takes 10-15 minutes to administer. For children ages 5;0 to 5;11 taking both levels, allow approximately 20-30 minutes.

How did you choose the basic concept words tested in the WABC®?   Licensed and practicing preschool teachers (285) across different regions of the United States rated a list of concepts in terms of their importance and relevance to academic success. A total of 238 questionnaires were returned. The results of this questionnaire, words obtained from the major basic concept assessments available today, and a pilot study were instrumental in determining the basic concept words chosen for the WABC®.

Did you compare the WABC® to another basic concepts test?   Yes. A concurrent validity study was conducted in which the results of the WABC® were compared to the results of the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts-3 Preschool (Boehm-3 Preschool) and Boehm Test of Basic Concepts-3 (Boehm-3). The results indicated significant correlations between the Boehm-3 tests and the WABC®.

Why is it important to assess basic concepts in children?   Basic concepts are the building blocks that children need to follow directions, engage in classroom routines, and provide descriptions of the world around them. They are fundamental for performing everyday tasks such as reading, writing, speaking, and math. Knowledge of these concepts directly relates to academic achievement.

How is the WABC® different from other tests of basic concepts?   The WABC® differs from other basic concept tests in many ways.

First, the WABC® evaluates the receptive and expressive use of basic concepts. WABC® presents the concepts in opposite (big/small) and/or related pairs (half/whole), rather than single, unrelated concepts.

Second, the test is in an interactive storybook format, giving the examiner the opportunity to test the child in a more natural setting. There is test no easel. Instead, the WABC®embeds concept pairs or related words in colorfully illustrated scenes of a storybook.

Third, the WABC® kit contains two age-level tests for evaluating the understanding and use of basic concepts. Level 1 - A Day at the Zoo is for the preschool child from 2;6 to 5;11 years. Level 2 - A Day at the Park is for children from ages 5;0 to7;11 in kindergarten and early elementary grades.

How do I use the results of the WABC® to identify areas of weakness and write IEP goals?   Summarize the results of testing for both Level 1 and Level 2 on the WABC® inventory form. This form categorizes the basic concepts into seven semantic categories: Color/Shape, Weight/Volume, Distance/Speed/Time, Quantity/Completeness, Location/Direction/Condition/Quality, Sensation/Emotion/Evaluation. Transfering the testing results to this form will assist you in writing IEP goals and explaining test results to parents.

What is a WABC® Response Analyzer?   The WABC® Qualitative Response Analyzer lets you enter the data from a child’s record form(s) and will automatically generate a summary of concepts that the child identifies correctly.The Response Analyzer will not calculate normative data (standard scores, etc.). It produces qualitative reports to help you establish intervention goals. Click here to go to the WABC® Response Analyzer.

Can I purchase components of the WABC® kit separately?  Yes.

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