Frequently Asked Questions about Testing
Testing for giftedness (Metrolina Regional Scholar’s Academy):
Dr. Deedee Russell has extensive knowledge about intellectual giftedness and the program at MRSA. MRSA is a charter school for highly gifted children. In order to apply for admission to MRSA, an IQ test is required. Scores that are 2 or 3 standard deviations above the mean are considered for admission (*admission decisions are made by the school). Please visit the website for detailed info: http://www.scholarsacademy.org
It is the parent’s responsibility to understand all application requirements for MRSA and understand the purpose of their program.
Dr. Deedee Russell currently administers the WPPSI-IV for pre-school age children (Children ages 4-5) and the WISC-V for ages 6 and up. Test administration time ranges from 1-2 hours. The cost for an IQ test for school admission is $350.00. Testing for school purposes is not covered by insurance. This cost is all-inclusive (includes test administration, scoring, report writing and a face-to-face follow up. Cards, check or cash accepted. Once scores are shared with the parent, parents can decide if they would like to apply to the school and then must pick up a copy of the report that has been sealed in an envelope, with the attestation form from the school and the psychologist’s signature over the seal. (This is the school’s requirement). Please email for scheduling. When volume is high, I cannot return all voicemails. Most questions are answered here but if you have special circumstances, please email (drdeedeerussell@aol.com) and I will call you.
I am offering several slots including weekend options to accommodate busy families who want their children tested for MRSA applications. These slots are limited. Below are the steps to take advantage of these appointments.
Early Admission to Kindergarten Testing: Parents often contact me to inquire about requirements to have their child begin Kindergarten early (children must be 5-years-old by the stated cut-off date for any school in North Carolina). Sometimes when there are extraordinary circumstances and a child is identified as intellectually gifted, schools may consider letting a child who has not yet turned 5 by the cut-off begin Kindergarten. The initial requirements are that the child be assessed (Intellectual Testing and Achievement Testing) and must obtain scores in the 98th percentile on BOTH assessments to be considered. Regardless of scores, the school administration makes the decision about early admission. Dr. Deedee Russell is available to provide these assessments to pre-school age children and has lots of experience working with this age group. Ideally, testing should occur in the spring or summer prior to the school year the parent is attempting to begin. Early Admission to Kindergarten assessment includes a brief interview with the parent and child, administration of the WPPSI-IV and WJ-IV, a review session including a full report with all scores. The full fee for this is $550. Testing for school admission purposes is not covered by insurance. If parents would like to start with IQ testing to see if the child meets that criteria, the cost is $350.00 (this is recommended). These are all inclusive fees including follow up.
The following is the link to the CMS guideline for early K. You as the parent are responsible for understanding the critiera and process. These guidelines are state wide; however, if you are in a different school district or working with a private or charter school, you should consult with them on their critiera and process. Testing for Early Admission begins on April 16.
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/astd/Documents/Early%20Entry%20to%20Kindergarten%202015.pdfEarly K testing
I am offering several slots including weekend options to accommodate busy families who want their children tested for MRSA applications. These slots are limited. Below are the steps to take advantage of these appointments.
- Text or email Dr. Russell at 704-491-2969 or drdeedeerussell@aol.com to confirm date and time of appointment. Dr. Russell is happy to speak with you ahead of time to explain the process and what to expect.
- You will be sent a Venmo request for a $50 deposit. The deposit secures your appointment slot. The deposit is non-refundable if you decide not to test or no-show the appointment. (Should an emergency arise or your child gets sick, please contact to re-schedule and not lose your deposit). If you are not on Venmo or unsure about the testing, discuss options with Dr. Russell.
- Balance due on date of testing is $300. Follow up will be arranged at the testing appointment when we are finished.
Early Admission to Kindergarten Testing: Parents often contact me to inquire about requirements to have their child begin Kindergarten early (children must be 5-years-old by the stated cut-off date for any school in North Carolina). Sometimes when there are extraordinary circumstances and a child is identified as intellectually gifted, schools may consider letting a child who has not yet turned 5 by the cut-off begin Kindergarten. The initial requirements are that the child be assessed (Intellectual Testing and Achievement Testing) and must obtain scores in the 98th percentile on BOTH assessments to be considered. Regardless of scores, the school administration makes the decision about early admission. Dr. Deedee Russell is available to provide these assessments to pre-school age children and has lots of experience working with this age group. Ideally, testing should occur in the spring or summer prior to the school year the parent is attempting to begin. Early Admission to Kindergarten assessment includes a brief interview with the parent and child, administration of the WPPSI-IV and WJ-IV, a review session including a full report with all scores. The full fee for this is $550. Testing for school admission purposes is not covered by insurance. If parents would like to start with IQ testing to see if the child meets that criteria, the cost is $350.00 (this is recommended). These are all inclusive fees including follow up.
The following is the link to the CMS guideline for early K. You as the parent are responsible for understanding the critiera and process. These guidelines are state wide; however, if you are in a different school district or working with a private or charter school, you should consult with them on their critiera and process. Testing for Early Admission begins on April 16.
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/astd/Documents/Early%20Entry%20to%20Kindergarten%202015.pdfEarly K testing
How long does testing/results take?It depends on the needs of the client. An IQ test alone takes 1-2 hours. For diagnostic testing, 2-4 sessions is required and each session will range from 1-2 hours.
Will my insurance cover testing? Dr. Russell does not accept insurance reimbursement for psychological testing for the purpose of admissions. In addition educational testing (that is not part of a full diagnostic evaluation) and testing for Kindergarten admission or Gifted Admission is NOT covered by insurance. Insurance does not pay for elective educational testing where there is no clinical diagnosis. How soon will I receive results? Generally if testing consists of an IQ test alone, results are provided within 1 week or sooner. For full diagnostic evaluations or psycho-educational evaluations, results are typically provided within 2-3 weeks. If you have a tight deadline, please let the psychologist know when scheduling to ensure testing and results can be completed in that time frame. |
How do I prepare my child for testing? What dates available?There is no prep needed for testing. It is best to tell your child that they are meeting with someone who is similar to a teacher to do some tasks and determine their strengths and weaknesses or “how they learn best.” With young children/ pre-school age, you may wish to tell them that we will be doing some fun activities in which they will be answering some questions, working with blocks and puzzles and looking at pictures.
Please do not tell your child that the psychologist will be deciding if they are going to Kindergarten or getting into a particular school! That is ultimately not the decision of the psychologist. What days and times are available for testing? It varies according to client’s needs. Most younger children perform best in the mornings. Emailing is the best way to quickly secure an appointment slot. |
Cancellations/CostWhat happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
The time for your child’s testing session is reserved specifically for them! If you need to cancel or re-schedule, you should do so by calling the psychologist as soon as you become aware of the need. Testing sessions are blocked often in 2 hour blocks and those times cannot be filled when enough notice is not given. Re-scheduling will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Repeated cancellations will result in not being scheduled for testing sessions. No-show clients (those that do not show or call) will not be contacted to re-schedule. Why is testing so expensive? Psychological testing is a specialized service that requires specific training and expertise. In particular working with young children providing testing requires experience, additional time and care. Testing protocols are also expensive. For every hour spent testing face-to-face there are additional hours for the psychologist to score, interpret and write reports/ follow up. |