What are the WIAT-4 and the Woodcock-Johnson?
Our Special Education Needs (SEN) Consultants at Bennett work closely with hundreds of families each year to help them understand psychoeducational testing and how it can play an integral role in finding the right school placement. As families navigate the evaluation process, especially after completing cognitive testing such as the WISC-V, the next step often involves understanding a student’s academic functioning in greater depth. Two of the most commonly used tools for this purpose are the WIAT-4 and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement. These assessments are frequently used in both school-based and private evaluations and play a central role in identifying learning differences, informing diagnoses, and guiding educational planning.
We recently sat down with Dawn Nelson, one of our SEN consultants, to help us better understand these two tests and how they are used to help students and families better understand a child’s learning profile.
Q: Dawn, can you explain the WIAT-4 and Woodcock Johson tests?
Yes, these are two of the most used assessments for understanding a child’s actual academic achievement. After completing a cognitive evaluation (such as the WISC-V), evaluators look to understand how a student’s thinking skills translate into academic learning. In other words, how do their thinking skills translate into academic performance in areas like reading, writing, and math. These tests are often included as part of a comprehensive evaluation and are key tools in understanding a student’s learning.
Q: How are the WIAT-4 and the Woodcock-Johnson different?
Both tests measure academic achievement, but they offer slightly different lenses.
The WIAT is often experienced as more straightforward and closely tied to classroom performance. It tends to answer the question, “How is this student doing in school right now?”
The Woodcock-Johnson, on the other hand, often answers a deeper question: “Why is the student performing this way?” It provides more insight into the underlying processes that contribute to strengths and challenges.
Neither test is better than the other. The choice often depends on the evaluator, the specific concerns, and how much depth is needed.
Q: Who administers these assessments and when are they used?
These tests are typically administered by psychologists, neuropsychologists, or educational diagnosticians. In some school settings, trained specialists may also be involved as part of a full psychoeducational evaluation.
They are usually recommended when there are concerns about academic progress, when a learning disability is suspected, or when documentation is needed for school support like an IEP or 504 Plan. They are also commonly required for independent school admissions.
Q: Are both tests administered to students, or just one?
Typically, only one of the two assessments is administered. The WIAT-4 or the Woodcock-Johnson will be selected based on the evaluator’s preference, the specific needs of the student, and often district/school requirements. Both measure academic achievement very effectively.
Q: How do these assessments help families?
For families, this part of the evaluation process can be incredibly helpful. These tests don’t just point out areas of difficulty, they also highlight strengths.
That combination is what allows for meaningful planning. Whether it is targeted tutoring, classroom accommodations, or a different school setting, the goal is always to better support how a student learns.
Q: What should international families know about these assessments, and how can they complete testing if it is required?
This is a great question since we work with so many international families here at Bennett. For families relocating to the United State, these tests may feel unfamiliar. Educational systems and evaluation practices vary widely across countries. In the U.S., however, these evaluations are often considered an essential part of understanding a student’s needs. Many schools, especially independent or specialized programs, rely on recent testing when determining whether they can provide appropriate support.
If testing is required, families moving from abroad have several options. Some choose to complete evaluations before relocating by working with an international psychologist or a U.S.-trained evaluator practicing abroad, though it is important to confirm ahead of time that the school will accept those results. I have also worked with families who have had testing completed abroad and then had them professionally translated for admission purposes. It is important to understand specific admission requirements in these instances. It is also important to know that previous evaluations from other countries may not always align with U.S. standards and may need to be updated.
Q: Are there considerations for multilingual students?
Yes, and this is an important point.
Both the WIAT and the Woodcock-Johnson are administered in English and are normed on U.S. populations. For students who are multilingual or newer to English, results need to be interpreted very carefully.
In these situations, evaluators may recommend additional language testing or take extra steps to understand whether language, rather than a learning challenge, is driving the results.
Q: What is the overall takeaway?
I recommend families think of it in these terms. If the WISC-V helps us understand how a student thinks, the WIAT-4 and Woodcock-Johnson help us understand how that thinking shows up in the classroom.
Together, either of these tests provides a more complete picture. This clarity helps families and schools make thoughtful, informed decisions about school placement and better support a student’s growth and success.
Dawn Nelson is an Independent Education Consultant on Bennett’s Special Education Needs (SEN) team, based in Yardley, Pennsylvania. She supports families relocating throughout the US, offering experienced guidance to those navigating complex academic profiles. With a strong background in both public and private education, Dawn brings a compassionate, student-centered approach to school placement. A native of the Mid-Atlantic region, Dawn holds an Ed.M. from Saint Joseph’s University, where she earned dual certifications in Special Education and as a Reading Specialist. She also holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph’s and is certified in New Jersey.
Bennett International Education Consultancy works directly with hundreds of families each year across the globe. We support families by helping them make informed decisions about the best-fit schools for their children; with our guidance, they secure placement in preschools, private day schools, public/state schools, boarding schools, colleges & universities, including schools with particular programs, such as special needs support.
