Occasionally, differences in test scores seem to indicate that a student performs much better in one reading area than in another when, in reality, the differences may not be statistically significant. The author presents a table in which statistically significant differences between Woodcock test standard scores are identified. (Author)

Though curriculum-based assessment (CBA) is considered a valuable evaluation procedure, areas of concern exist, including: assumptions regarding content of the CBA instrument, appropriateness of CBA as the only information source for individualized education programs, and recognition of CBA's limitations as a procedure/model under the current…

This paper draws a distinction between evaluation and measurement, and explains the need to link curriculum-based evaluation to the development of individualized educational plans. The paper proposes a set of rules for focusing curriculum-based evaluations, such as "don't confuse the curriculum with instruction" and "only think…

There are several points to be considered to prevent misuse when integrating microcomputing into the assessment process. Computerizing an activity does not automatically improve that activity. Computer use is appropriate for computing test scores and storing student data but not for interpreting data. (JDD)

This article presents vignettes to illustrate responsive reading assessment, an approach to assessment that focuses on the context and the questions that need to be answered to guide instruction. A variety of assessment techniques are described and the use of student portfolios or organizing assessment data are discussed. (Contains 16 references.)…

A family-level, needs-based model of assessment and intervention with handicapped infants and young children is described. The model includes three major components: specification of family needs; identification of sources of support and resources to meet needs; and determination of staff roles in helping families access resources from their…

Predictions about future directions in special education assessment include more research on fewer instruments, new types of assessments for identification of learning disabilities, and consumer demand for tests with acceptable technical characteristics. Teacher-oriented assessment predictions include increasing diversity of student performance,…

This article reviews relevant theory and the practical implications of measuring assistive technology outcomes of students with disabilities. Rasch Measurement Scaling, Time Series Concurrent and Differential Approach, and the Multi-Attribute Utility Model are proposed for potential use in assistive technology outcome measurement and future…

This paper examines trends in mathematics assessment for students with mild disabilities, with emphasis on implications of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards. Results of two studies are reported, one reviewing current mathematics assessment procedures in special education, and the other comparing the Key Math-Revised measure…

This overview of recent developments in redefining attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder summarizes articles about assessment instruments and procedures and identifies important issues, including the construct of hyperactivity as it relates to attention, classification systems, and the lack of technical adequacy of many assessment instruments…

The computer can be incorporated into educational assessment at two levels: clerical work such as scoring, converting scores, administering test items, and organizing data into manageable profiles; and expanding horizons and deepening the understanding of what is important to measure and how best to measure it through expert systems and new…

The assessment of interests, skills, and needs of handicapped students related to work, home, community, and leisure should begin at a very young age and be closely connected to a functional curriculum. A framework for developing a community-wide interagency career assessment process is described. (Author/DB)

This paper discusses developments in special education classroom observational assessment. Conceptual advances include increased focus on assessment with practical value for teaching and benefits gained from merging classroom instructional factors with behavior. Methodological advances include development of ecobehavioral observation protocols and…