Case Study: Danny



Case Study: Danny

Danny, age 9, is a 3rd grader at Highland Elementary School. He has been referred to the school counselor due to concerns expressed by his teacher about academic and behavioral issues.

Background Information

Danny’s parents are divorced, and he currently lives with his grandparents. Danny’s father graduated from high school and works as a heating and air conditioning technician; his mother earned her GED after dropping out of high school and works as a waitress. Danny has lived with his grandparents since he was age 4. Last year, the Department of Social Services investigated his living situation with his grandparents due to allegations of neglect. His grandparents lack interest in how he is doing at school. Over the last couple of years, they have moved three times; as a result, Danny has changed schools three times.

Danny currently belongs to no organizations or clubs, and he does not have any close friends. He frequently starts arguments in class and on the playground. He is very outspoken.

In terms of academics, Danny’s is not meeting basic educational standards. He fails to do his homework most of the time. He was retained in 3rd grade.

Danny has interest in making things; this is evident in his art class. He has special skills in making things with his hands. He enjoys reading, but he reportedly watches TV for several hours every day.

Danny’s teacher commented on his family environment and say that his frequent moves have deprived Danny of companions. The teacher also commented about Danny’s constant battle with fellow classmates in class and that he doesn’t seem to have any friends. They say that he acts out to gain attention.

The school counselor decides to review Danny’s academic records. She reviews his report cards from 1st grade to present and his test records.

Danny’s Elementary School Record Card

Performance Score Key:

4 - Advanced: Applying standard at complex levels

3 - Proficient: Meeting Standard

2 - Basic: Making progress toward standard

1 - Not meeting standard

|First Grade |Second Grade |Third Grade |Third Grade (This year) |

|Reading |

|Index Scores |Standard Score |Percentile Rank |Descriptive Category |

|Verbal Comprehension (VCI) |112 |79 | |

|Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) |108 |70 | |

|Working Memory Index (WMI) |108 |70 | |

|Processing Speed Index (PSI) |110 |75 | |

|Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-II) (Administered 3rd Grade – This Year) |

|Composites |Standard Score |Percentile Rank |Descriptive Category |

|Reading |85 |16 | |

|Mathematics |89 |23 | |

|Written Language |79 |8 | |

|Oral Language |87 |19 | |

1. Interpret each of Danny’s scores (standard score, percentile rank) on the WISC-IV Indexes. Determine the descriptive category for each index. How would you describe his overall level of intelligence? How would you describe any relative intellectual strengths or weaknesses that Danny might have?

2. Interpret each of Danny’s scores (standard score, percentile rank) on the WIAT-II Composites. Determine the descriptive category for each composite. How would you describe his overall level of achievement? How would you describe any relative strengths or weaknesses that he might have?

3. Compare Danny’s scores on the WISC-IV to his scores on the WIAT-II. Are the scores on these two tests consistent? Explain.

4. Are Danny’s test results consistent with his grades? Explain.

5. What factors could account for any discrepancies between his test results and his academic performance (i.e., grades)?

6. What additional information about Danny would you like to have?

7. What would you recommend for Danny?

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