WIST Assessment
|Word Identification and Spelling Test|
At the initial consultation, we administer the WIST assessment to establish a baseline of where your student is currently performing in reading and spelling. The WIST assessment evaluates key literacy skills, including word identification, spelling, and sound-symbol knowledge—core components necessary for reading success.​
Word Identification
This section measures the accuracy of sight recognition and if the student knows how to use word
attack skills. This portion also measures the recognition of sight words.
Spelling
This section assesses the student’s ability to spell words by recalling the correct letter sequences for familiar
words or their ability to apply sound/symbol relationships and rules.
Sound-Symbol Knowledge
This section assesses the student’s ability to associate sound with specific letters.
We selected the WIST because it is a respected, standardized, and externally developed assessment that aligns closely with the foundational concepts taught in the Barton Reading & Spelling System. To monitor progress, we re-administer the WIST every six months with our in-house WIST coordinator. This consistent tracking ensures we are seeing meaningful growth and helps us adjust instruction as needed to support each student's development.
There are two WIST Assessments- an Elementary WIST for grades 2-5 and a Secondary WIST for grades 6-12.
WIST Assessment Data
|Data from one of our most recent graduates|
These are the WIST assessment results from a student who recently graduated from our program. The WIST assessment on the left represents the results from the initial consultation, which served as a baseline to identify the student’s starting point in key areas such as word identification, spelling, and reading comprehension. The WIST assessment on the right reflects the student’s progress after completing the program, showing the growth and skills gained throughout their time with us. Comparing the two assessments highlights the student’s development and the effectiveness of the intervention.
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This student is a creative, empathetic, and hardworking individual who enjoys school and builds strong relationships with peers and teachers. While she faces challenges in reading, writing, and math, she remains a joyful learner and responds well to individualized support. She benefits from strategies like reading aloud, using checklists, and visual aids. Her strengths include verbal expression, comprehension, artistic ability, strong work habits, and social skills, though she may need encouragement to ask for help and confirm understanding.
Diagnoses: Other Specified ADHD, Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading, Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Math, Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression
WIST Data from Initial Consultation
WIST Data After Program Completion
