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 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…

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)

This document reviews problems in the identification and assessment of behavioral impairment in young students. Several models of emotional disturbance are reviewed and characteristics of behavior problems are outlined. Assessment methods discussed include observation of student behavior patterns and more formal instruments (such as the "Neonatal…

A functional approach to the assessment of learning disabilities (LD) is proposed in the light of confusing and ambiguous guidelines for identifying students with LD. Problems in the current evaluation procedures include the concept that ability and achievement are separate dimensions of intellectual functioning and the potential for biased…

The paper describes a "mini-assessment" designed to help teachers understand the nature and extent of students' learning problems. A distinction is made between children with reading problems due to neurological differences and those with problems due to emotional, educational, or cultural factors. The importance of identifying and referring the…

Alternative systems are suggested for appraising preschoolers for possible inclusion in early special education programs. Frequency sampling, in which diagnosticians analyze performance of certain tasks predictive of school performance, are seen to be potentially valuable but lacking in accuracy. Examination of co-occurrences--interactions between…

Appropriate identification/assessment of limited English speaking students requires: (1) the use of both standardized and nonstandardized assessment instruments and techniques, and (2) the use of speech-language pathologists or interpreters who are proficient in the students' native language. (JDD)

The article describes the assessment procedure (statementing) to identify and plan for children with special educational needs in England and Wales as required by the Education Act of 1981 and the Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations of 1983. The increased responsibilities of Local Education Authorities are outlined. (Author/DB)

The Montgomery County Maryland, public school system utilizes a bilingual assessment team as a means toward achieving nonbiased, cross cultural assessment to identify handicaps in limited English proficient students. Special education placement begins with referral from a teacher, parent, counselor, or the student himself; moves to consultation…

The study evaluated the utility of Kaufman-Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) subtests in differentiating learning-disabled children from students with other handicapping conditions, and compared K-ABC subtests with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised subtests. Results showed that subtest scores did not enhance differential…