A survey of 97 school psychologists found that the majority felt they needed additional training in administering, scoring, and interpreting the fourth edition of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. Thirty-four percent were using the fourth edition. Rank ordering of instruments of choice was: Wechsler scales, Kaufman Scale, old Stanford-Binet,…

This article defines test bias and reviews research methods most aptly applied postpublication to educational and psychological tests. Best methods for estimating bias in criterion-related or predictive validity and determining bias in construct validity across groups are explained. (Author/JDD)

Maternal estimates of child performance and performance-based scores using the Learning Accomplishments Profile compared with 18 young handicapped children revealed positive relationships for maternal estimates and evaluator ratings for overall scores as well as for four subscales. No significant difference was found for overall scores between the…

Sixty teachers responded to questions about the permissibility of 51 possible test modifications for pupils with disabilities on South Carolina-mandated criterion-referenced tests. Results indicated that teachers were not very knowledgeable about which modifications are allowed, and with few exceptions, special educators were no more informed than…

Undergraduate students (N=106) in a psychoeducational testing course were required to administer the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised to the instructor. Only 29.2 percent were able to administer the test error-free, indicating that a one-semester course is insufficient preparation for special educators to become effective test…

Varying the order of the language arts subtests in the Wide Range Achievement Test did not significantly affect performance of 54 learning disabled students in grades one - nine. (CL)

Error analysis is proposed as a means to supplement diagnostic techniques with exceptional children. A purpose and definition of error analysis are provided. Also, procedures to use error analysis are explained along with basic guidelines to prevent abuse of error analytic techniques. (Author/CL)

Four purposes of testing (screening, classification, program planning, and program evaluation) are identified, and tests are futher broken down into type, methods of scoring, and methods of administration. The author emphasizes that tests should be selected to accomplish the purposes of testing. (CL)

Microanalysis of test-related behaviors of six examiners and 15 preschool speech- and language-handicapped children revealed that the children spoke significantly more often with greater complexity when tested by familiar examiners. Differences between familiar and unfamiliar examiners included use of silence, eye contact, and language style and…

Fifteen learning disabled students (six to nine years old) scored significantly higher on the PIAT spelling subtest than on a dictated spelling test using identical words. Either approach, however, (selection or supply) ranked subjects similarly. (Author/CL)

Global achievement tests are best used for broad purposes (program evaluation) or purposes such as screening which will be followed up with more precise instruments. (SB)

The paper presents information regarding the major components of a basic audiologic test battery and the effects of hearing impairment on certain areas of development. (Author)

A format is suggested for testing using free association techniques. In this system, students are given key words or phrases and asked to relate as much relevant information as they can. Scoring techniques, strengths, and weaknesses of such open-ended approaches are discussed, along with possible suggestions for implementation. (PB)

Information on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, a major revision of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, covers authors, publisher, prices, copyright dates and revisions, groups for whom the instrument is intended, forms, purpose and recommended use, dimensions measured, administration, data summation, score interpretation, test…

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,…