Cumulative files on 276 students (grades 2-12) identified as learning disabled (LD) were analyzed in the project designed to investigate effects of LD selection formulas and the influence of various LD services. Analyses revealed that few (3-5%) of the students were identified as LD by formulas demanding a substantial IQ achievement discrepancy; a…

The paper is designed to lay the foundation for a traditional assessment program in a systematic research effort on the identification of and intervention with at risk and handicapped infants and young children. Initial sections review literature on the qualities of traditional psychometric assessment and on the qualities of a behavioral…

The research concerning three major types of measures designed to identify young children at risk of experiencing school problems is reviewed. Teacher perception, test batteries, and single instruments are discussed in terms of general considerations for use, advantages, and disadvantages. (Author/DB)

This article (1) defines areas in infant and preschool evaluation where clinical judgment is typically used; (2) argues that judgment-based assessments are only as good as the objectivity, reliability, and validity of its data collection and use; and (3) offers examples of procedures and clinical methods to increase diagnostic accuracy. (Author/DB)

The Iowa Severity Rating Scales are designed to provide general guidelines which may be used as a part of the clinical speech and language program to obtain uniform identification of preschool children with communication disabilities. Section 1 contains definitions, an explanation of the severity classification (a 5 point scale ranging from 0 for…

The article describes the problem of assessing culturally diverse students for behavior disorders, proposes a solution which replaces norm referenced assessment with functional assessment, and offers recommendations for implementing such a nonbiased, functional approach. (DB)

Difficulties in the differential diagnosis of mental retardation and infantile autism in the preschool child are discussed, and essential components in the assessment of preschool children with behavioral, developmental, or cognitive deviations are identified. (Author/DB)

The variety of methods available for the assessment of hyperactivity in preschool populations is reviewed. Specific procedures for assessment are presented from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating biophysical, behavioral, cognitive, and ecological models. (Author/JDD)

This paper reviews the role and practice of functional-status assessment in young children with neurological impairments, examines issues in selection of functional assessment measures, and describes functional assessment approaches developed in the fields of special education and pediatric rehabilitation, including adaptive scales,…

The paper reviews the literature on the use of guidelines to identify handicapped children, especially learning-disabled (LD) children, for special programs. Dangers of misidentification of learning-disabled children through rigid use of discrepancy formulas are reported. The paper reviews studies which support: the use of Bannatyne's four factor…

The paper presents a rationale for and a discussion of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation's Board of Directors' position on assessment and identification in mental retardation, especially mild retardation. The historical foundations of identification and assessment, current practices, recommended practices, legal…

Features useful in distinguishing 20 children with clinically diagnosed pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) from 40 children with autism or language disorder were developed from a retrospective chart review using 80 items. The most useful items were then evaluated using a second set of cases (total n=120). Fewer items discriminated PDD from…

This article shows the usefulness of understanding visual behaviors in the diagnosis of various types of visual impairments that are due to ocular and cortical disorders. Behaviors discussed include nystagmus, ocular motor dyspraxia, head position, close viewing, field loss adaptations, mannerisms, photophobia, and abnormal color perception. (JDD)

The handbook on pupil appraisal presents specific criteria and information regarding eligibility, screening, and evaluation of handicapped and gifted children in the state of Louisiana. Criteria for eligibility indicate the type of data which must be collected in the initial screening and/or educational assessment program to justify a more indepth…

A model for conceptualizing the identification process based on a broad view of the nature of learning disabilities is presented. Four decision-making points in the identification process are highlighted with emphasis on the role of team members at each of the four points. (Author/DB)