At the WSA convention in 2018, David Koppenhaver and Sydney Shadrick from Appalachian State University discussed a method for conducting informal reading assessments with individuals who have Williams syndrome. David and Sydney, along with other colleagues, are now offering these assessments online to individuals with Williams syndrome and their families at no charge. Assessments will be conducted using online materials and video conferencing software.
Participants will need access to a computer, a webcam, and the internet in order to participate, and will receive an interpretation of assessment results, instructional recommendations, and links to literacy resources. The project staff would like to assess as MANY individuals as possible - ages 5 and up - adults are welcome too.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Sydney Shadrick at Appalachian State University by email ([email protected]) or telephone (847-309-6516). Please provide your contact details and indicate that you are interested in the “WS Reading Profiles” project.
The information gathered from this research will support our ongoing work on specific reading instruction strategies and classroom practices for teachers to use with students with Williams syndrome.
Completed assessments:
We are so grateful for the positive response we have received since beginning this study. We currently have 0 assessments scheduled and are completing 1 report. That being said, new assessments should expect their reports within 1.5 months of completing their assessment.
