Dynamic assessment (DA) is an interactive assessment that encompasses planned mediational teaching and assessment of the effects of that teaching on subsequent performance. DA has been motivated by the inadequacy of conventional static tests to provide accurate information about the individual's learning ability, deficient functions, change…

Many school psychologists work in schools that have low proficiency rates on the year-end test of mathematics, which is concerning because math proficiency is a powerful indicator of long-term academic success. Addressing math instructional problems is not easy work. One reason the authors examine is that the work is so challenging for school…

Selective mutism (SM) is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by the persistent failure to speak in situations where speech is typically expected (e.g., school), despite speaking in other situations (e.g., home; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Immigrant children are more likely to be diagnosed with SM than the general…

Latinx dual language learners (DLLs) are a large and growing student body that continues to face educational adversities that contribute to the maintenance of a longstanding academic achievement gap. Previous research has documented that preschool attendance and development of home language skills in early childhood support the long-term academic…

In this chapter, the authors outline an approach to assessing complex constructs supported by psychological science and research. This approach is informed by their background as psychologists but is general enough to incorporate other disciplinary approaches as well. They identify this approach as TAIM (Theory, Activities, Indicators, Multiple…

English language learners (ELLs) who are in the process of acquiring English as a second language for academic purposes, are often misidentified as having Language Learning Disabilities (LLDs). Policies regarding the assessment of ELLs have undergone many changes through the years, such as the introduction of a Response to Intervention (RTI)…

Problematic assessment and intervention issues present substantial challenges when making educational decisions for deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) students who are experiencing reading difficulties. These students present a diverse set of language acquisition skills, hearing ability, and orientation to early school learning activities that are…

When asked about the current state of early mathematics, most educators and school psychologists will readily admit that much more is known about reading. This is especially true when considering instruction for children who struggle to learn. Progress in reading assessment and intervention was advanced by the report of the National Reading Panel…

The role of school psychologists with training in neuropsychology is examined within the context of multitiered models of service delivery and educational reform policies. An expanded role is suggested that builds on expertise in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders and extends to broader tiers through consultation practice. Changes in…

This paper argues that recent work in philosophy complements the discourse of psychologists and educationists on such questions as the differences between behavioral and conceptual learning, the nature of the latter, the formation of general ideas, and the stability and transferability of knowledge. Conclusions about both teaching methods and…

This study examined the validity of Nonsense Word Fluency as an index of beginning reading proficiency for students in kindergarten through second grade. Validity evidence for Nonsense Word Fluency is addressed in the context of research-based instructional practices implemented on a large scale. Technical adequacy data are presented for all…

The evidence-based practice (EBP) movement has the potential to significantly advance the quality of psychological and educational services provided by psychologists working in schools. Training psychologists in EBP has challenged the profession and caused faculty in graduate programs to reevaluate and retool professional training curricula and…

The manual is intended to help school psychologists determine strengths and weaknesses, establish goals, and prescribe interventions for students with difficulties in mathematics, spelling, and written language. Research on sources of mathematical difficulties, theoretical bases, and hierarchies in mathematics is reviewed, procedures for formal…

Defines and discusses a definition of critical thinking. Maintains that college students improve their learning effectiveness when they are engaged actively and invested personally. Describes student evaluation techniques used to enhance thinking skills. (CFR)