This survey on modifications allowed for students with disabilities by 30 states in statewide criterion-referenced testing programs found no universal agreement about modifications. Accommodations in Test Setting and Test Scheduling were more frequently allowed than revisions in Test Directions or Test Format. Assistance devices and accommodations…

It is argued that the manual of the Test of Adolescent Language lacks precision even though the authors explicitly state that the test may be used for the purpose of identifying intraindividual differences. To alleviate this problem, a table containing statistically significant differences between subtest standard scores is presented. (Author/CL)

This study compared performance of 300 mildly handicapped and 300 nonhandicapped adolescents on the Florida State Student Assessment Test, Part II, a test measuring functional literacy in math and communication skills. Substantial differences indicate severe consequences for handicapped students forced to pass minimum competency tests to graduate…

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…

Protocols of 327 students referred for possible special education services were examined using brief forms of the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. The authors concluded that brief forms of the WISC-R should be avoided; however, if a brief form is necessary, K. Hobby's split-half technique is recommended. (Author/CL)

Analysis of comparisons of subtest scores of 76 students (grades two - six) on the Peabody Individual Achievement Test and the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests revealed that, although correlations for the total group were highly significant in both comparisons, a grade level analysis demonstrated wide variability in results. (CL)

The relationship between scores on an informant screening measure (the Preschool Attainment Record) and two directly administered screening measures (the Denver Developmental Screening Test, and the Developmental Activities Screening Inventory) was examined with 38 normal and retarded young children. Results caution professionals in comparatively…

Though curriculum-based assessment (CBA) is considered a valuable evaluation procedure, areas of concern exist, including: assumptions regarding content of the CBA instrument, appropriateness of CBA as the only information source for individualized education programs, and recognition of CBA's limitations as a procedure/model under the current…

Three procedures that help to determine the degree of confidence we can place in any raw score are discussed: computing the standard error of measurement, computing the estimated true score, and constructing confidence intervals. These three procedures are easy to use and require only elementary mathematical skills. (Author/CL)

The author deals with limitations on the use of work samples as predictors of vocational success of the disabled. The predictive model is briefly reviewed and ways in which the assumptions underlying this model can be violated or altered in vocational evaluation settings are described. (Author)

Limitations of grade and age equivalent scores in the educational assessment of handicapped students include unequal variance across content areas, grade and age groups, and encouragement of comparison with inappropriate groups. The author recommends the use of expanded scale scores. (Author/CL)

The study investigated the subtest scatter of 555 nonreferred elementary students of three ethnic backgrounds--Black, White, and Hispanic. The magnitude of the subtest scatter was similiar to A. Kaufman's analysis of the standardization data. The inclusion of the Hispanic group, however, produced a somewhat different pattern. (Author/CL)

A framework is presented for implementing standardized achievement testing. Fundamental concepts and formats of the tests are reviewed, and useful references are listed. Standardized tests are considered and categorized in terms of administration format, functions, validity, and type (cognitive versus noncognitive). Thirteen basic recommendations…

The psychometric characteristics of 12 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and a group without PWS but with other similar traits were compared. Results found cognitive, behavioral and educational traits often associated with PWS to be present in both groups, illustrating the importance of control/comparison groups in research establishing…

Highlights research on the participation of students with disabilities in statewide assessments and explores the participation and reporting issues that emerge when considering the inclusion of students with disabilities in large-scale accountability systems and assessments. Recommendations for local-level decision makers for participation and…