The Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test was examined in terms of construct validity. Analysis of test results for 260 children (ages three to six) found that results for internal consistency, discriminant analysis, and item difficulty analysis raised questions about the usefulness and appropriateness of many test items.…

A review of theories and practices of contemporary special education in the Soviet Union focuses on the current state and tendencies in development of basic theoretical concepts, methods of screening, and organizational structure of special education and compares these with American theoretical considerations and practical approaches. (Author/CB)

Reports two studies that provide correlational and experimental evidence for causal relationships between linguistic coding deficits and reading disability. Concludes that phonological coding deficits constitute a major source of reading difficulty in beginning readers, although there was suggestive evidence that semantic and syntactic deficits…

The adequacy of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery, Part II: Tests of Achievement, for identifying and diagnosing learning disabled college students was examined using 68 subjects. Results indicated that ceiling effects were less pervasive than with regular college students. Cluster and subtest reliabilities proved adequate for use in…

The paper details advantages of microcomputer-based assessment with moderately and severely handicapped individuals over conventional print instruments. Noted advantages include improved accuracy, less time-consuming, greater flexibility, and the potential for information database development and regional systematic programing. One such…

Responds to two articles in this "Educational Leadership" issue by Richard Salzer and by Lorrie A. Shepard and Mary Lee Smith that criticize overtesting and preoccupation with developmental differences in kindergarten-age children. Defends physical, sensory, and developmental assessment to help identify children's areas of strength and weakness.…

Suggesting that research in India on visual handicaps is still in its infancy, this article reviews Indian research on the following topics: visually handicapped education; psychoeducational assessment; guidance, counseling, and crisis management; rehabilitation; vocational training and employment; community-based outreach extension services;…

Audiometric screening tests administered to students ages 5-21 in five Nigerian schools (N=2315) revealed hearing problems in 13.5% of the student population. Among findings was a high incidence of acute suppurative otitis media. Related recommendations include twice-yearly audiometric screening for children perceived to be at risk. (JW)

This article reviews common music education admission requirements and screening tests. The author maintains that if teacher educators are clear about the characteristics and competencies potential teachers should possess, equitable and valid means of assessing teacher candidates can be developed. (JDH)

The Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL) test was used to evaluate 610 children, aged 2-1/2 to 5-1/2. Performance varied by race, sex and age,leading to the conclusion that our understanding of basic characteristics of movement performance in preschool children is far from complete. (Author/MT)

Examined parental ratings of preschoolers referred for psychological evaluation due to management problems (N=48) and preschoolers who had never been referred for psychological services (N=48). Results showed significant differences between the groups in ratings of six temperament variables. Parental ratings were correlated only for the…

Investigated the demographic and neuropsychological characteristics of 30 children in reading categories defined by performance on the Boder Test. Provided evidence that the Boder Test may be a nonbiased valid screening test for the identification of dyslexia and dyslexic subtypes. (JAC)

As the first stage of a comprehensive study of admissions, a tree model and a linear model were compared in the prediction of admission process screening decisions for a single year's applicants to the Yale University School of Medicine. Cross-validation of the results was also performed on a sample taken from the following year's applicant class.…

This study describes an experimental program that involves the participation of child care counselors and remedial educators in planning and implementing a remediation program based on a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of a child's cognitive assets and deficits. (SB)