The findings that certain tests are used in almost every situation and that various professionals employ a large number of technically inadequate measures are discussed in terms of implications for current assessment and decision-making practices. (Author)

Static and dynamic assessments conducted on 44 young handicapped children (mean age=68.75 months) demonstrated that dynamic assessment can provide information on a child's instructability. Graduated prompt assessment identified learning potential not identified by static tests. Mediation assessment identified learning potential not identified by…

Three studies involving elementary students examined methodological issues in curriculum-based reading assessment. Results indicated that (1) whereas sample duration did not affect concurrent validity, increasing duration reduced performance instability and increased performance slopes and (2) domain size was related inversely to performance slope…

Special education tests evaluated by M. Thurlow and J. Ysseldyke with regard to technical adequacy were reevaluated using the same criteria. There was disagreement of 11 of the 30 tests used in both evaluations, demonstrating that current test standards are vague enough that experts disagree. (Author/CL)

Analysis of four scores for 32 young handicapped children on the Learning Accomplishment Profile-Diagnostic Edition and on the Development Profile, found that all data sources were highly correlated on their estimates. Parent tended to report more items passed than did the diagnostician for both instruments. (Author/CL)

Content validity is an overriding problem in all measures evaluating written expression because there is no complete model of written language. Direct atomistic measures have greater instructional utility in diagnostic assessment, grouping, monitoring and decision making, reporting student progress, and giving feedback to students than do indirect…

Limitations of grade and age equivalent scores in the educational assessment of handicapped students include unequal variance across content areas, grade and age groups, and encouragement of comparison with inappropriate groups. The author recommends the use of expanded scale scores. (Author/CL)

This assessment of the reliability and validity of skills analysis programs within curriculum-based measurement (CBM), with various groups of handicapped and nonhandicapped youngsters, indicated that the skills analysis programs in spelling and math provided consistent information that related well to the primary graphed CBM scores. (Author/JDD)

This article addresses the use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) techniques within regular education settings. Specific CBM decision-making strategies in the areas of mathematics operations are described. Successful application of these strategies in 40 elementary classes, each with at least 1 student with a learning disability, is also…

A study of 58 students in fifth grade (4 with disabilities) examined consequences of a statewide performance assessment program using Curriculum-Based Measurement. Results found significant gains in written expression, but no progress in reading, and concluded that this probably reflected increased time in writing activities in preparation for the…

Thirty young children with handicaps were assessed on five self-recognition mirror tasks. The set of tasks formed a reproducible scale, indicating that these tasks are an appropriate measure of self-recognition in this population. Data analysis suggested that stage of self-recognition is positively and significantly related to cognitive…

Information on students' math skill mastery based on curriculum-based measurement was provided to nine special and general education elementary teachers. Teachers were asked to identify the specific math skills their students had mastered. Results indicated that most teachers were not accurate at judging math skill mastery despite having specific…

A study involving 971 children (ages 2 weeks to 8 years) and one of their parents illustrates the validity and accuracy of a new developmental measure called Parents' Evaluations of Developmental Status (PEDS). PEDS helps professionals elicit and interpret parents' concerns about their children's behavior and development and encourages…

The usefulness of the picture story language test (PSLT) as a standardized assessment procedure that would discriminate between 124 nonlearning-disabled and 85 learning-disabled (LD) elementary school students was studied. It was concluded that the PSLT does not allow for an accurate and complete diagnostic appraisal. (Author/PHR)

A study of 71 students (ages 7-17) with disabilities investigated the interrater agreement of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA), a behavior rating scale used in school settings. Participants were rated by 29 educational professionals in 24 classrooms. Results found ASCA produced acceptable levels of interrater agreement.…