Reliability and construct validity of over 1,000 mothers' responses to the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Parent Version were studied. Results indicated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability on three subscales (Oppositional, Distractible, and Impulsive-Hyperactive) but only marginal reliability on the Antisocial Conduct…

Factor analysis of the Gifted Student Screening Scale (GSSS) indicated that it is appropriate for use with both gifted and nongifted students. Cross-validation using discriminant analysis showed that the GSSS stably differentiated gifted and nongifted students. Cut-scores for identifying students for further testing for gifted programs were…

Scores of 189 kindergarten on the McCarthy Screening Test and the SEARCH, were compared to subsequent school progress and performance on the Metropolitan Achievement Tests Series at the end of grades one and two. Only three of the tests' subtest and total scores achieved significant correlations with the Metropolitan. (Author/CL)

The construct validity of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS) was evaluated with 94 kindergarten students. Results supported both the convergent and discriminant validity of the Social Skills and Problem Behavior scales of the PKBS. Results also support use of the PKBS for identifying young children who are behaviorally at risk.…

The validity of the Gifted Student Screening Scale was evaluated with 479 students in grades four-six. Further testing of 54 students who scored just above and just below the cutoff score indicated the test was not racially biased and that the cutoff score was probably too low. (DB)

Fifty-one gifted children, aged 9-17, were tested with the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised. Correlations indicated that the Peabody may be of value in screening students being considered for gifted placement. (Author/JDD)

The study compared the results of the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) Screening Test with the Denver Developmental Screening Test-Revised and with the full-scale BDI for 30 handicapped and 35 nonhandicapped children, all aged six months to six years. Major differences were found between the tests and populations identified for follow-up.…

Results established the indicator's technical adequacy and further defined the self-concept/level of aspirations relationship as supporting evidence of construct validity. (Author)

The use of multidomain instruments for screening or diagnostic purposes with handicapped infants and preschoolers is reviewed. Purposes of assessment and criteria for instrument utility are presented. Five multidomain screening tools and three multidomain diagnostic instruments are reviewed with respect to their validity, reliability, and utility.…

Scores of 66 elementary students (referred for poor learning progress) on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) were below mean performance on all Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (SB:FE) area scores except memory. The study refutes the assertion that the PPVT-R is an appropriate screening instrument for the SB:FE.…

The adequacy of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery, Part II: Tests of Achievement, for identifying and diagnosing learning disabled college students was examined using 68 subjects. Results indicated that ceiling effects were less pervasive than with regular college students. Cluster and subtest reliabilities proved adequate for use in…

The Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and an expressive language measure were administered to 114 children (aged 24 to 74 months) suspected of developmental difficulties. The DDST did not identify the majority of children who failed the expressive language screening, even after cutoff scores were made more rigorous. (Author/JDD)

The Miller Assessment for Preschoolers, intended for children ages 2-5, is designed as both a screening and a diagnostic assessment, measuring neuromaturational variables, coordination, language, memory, problem solving, and visual perception. This review examines test administration, summation of data, standardization, reliability, and validity,…

This study, involving 70 intermediate grade students, found that scores on the Matrix Analogies Test-Short Form (MAT-SF) were significantly lower than all of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) composite scores. The MAT-SF correlated significantly with all areas of the CTBS composite and spelling scores. (Author/JDD)

Two forms of the Battelle Developmental Inventory, intended for use with handicapped and nonhandicapped children ages 0-8, are examined. The instruments measure personal-social, adaptive, motor, communication, and cognitive skills, for use in screening, diagnosis, identification, assessment, and program evaluation. The paper discusses test…