WPPSI™-III Test Preparation, Practice and Skills Development

The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI™) is often used as part of the entrance process for students identified as potentially gifted and talented. The current version of the recently restructured intelligence test, WPPSI™–III, features shorter, more game-like activities and simplified scoring procedures. The WPPSI™ (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) is published by Pearson NNC (previously Harcourt Assessment Services).

Similar to the WISC and other intelligence indexes, the WPPSI-III assesses skills and abilities, rather than grade-level knowledge. The test’s propensity toward skills and abilities make for a test-taking experience that is unlike the statewide exams and nationally normed tests (ITBS, Stanford 10, etc.). Thus, preparing for the types of items encountered on the Wechsler Primary is essential, however, the WPPSI is not a test with a defined curriculum for which a child can easily study. You can prepare your children for testing, and beyond the test date, by exposing them to a wide range of thinking activities infused across the curriculum. The idea is to teach children how to think and problem solve, and reflect on their own thinking processes, to improve decision-making skills. Research and countless success stories demonstrate increased scores on IQ tests, such as the WPPSI.