Development of the Wechsler Objective Language Dimensions (WOLD)

The Wechsler Objective Language Dimensions (WOLD) is a test of expressive language ability in children that can be used in the diagnosis of special educational needs.

Following the success of WORD (the Wechsler Objective Reading Dimensions) as an assessment of dyslexia in the UK, The Psychological Corporation asked us to investigate the other 5 subtests of the US based Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT) and to consider whether they, too, could be adapted and standardised for the UK.

The introduction of WIAT in theUSarose following specificUSlegislation requiring the ability level of a child to be taken into account when making a diagnosis of learning difficulties. It was believed that diagnosis based purely on a child's academic performance in school was insufficient. WIAT was designed as a companion test to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and included subtests of Basic Reading, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Operations, Mathematical Reasoning, Oral Expression, Listening Comprehension, Writing and Spelling.

The Subtests included in WOLD were

  • Oral Expression
  • Listening Comprehension

These two subtests were administered to a sample of around 400 children throughout theUKon the basis of a stratified sample according to national demographics available from the Government. This enabled the development of national norms, enabling a child’s score at a particular age to be compared with that of other children of the same age.

When administered alongside a general ability test such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), a comparison of the child’s expressive language score with that would be expected for someone of his/her age and ability provides the basic data by which an educational psychologist or other assessment professional can provide an appropriate diagnosis.

WOLD, together with its companion tests WORD and WOND, have now been superseded by WIAT-II. For more information contactPearson Assessmentat their offices in London.