Studies four groups of infants with iron deficiency but without anemia in an attempt to discover behavioral signs that can be used to index high-risk probability for iron deficiency. Solemnity in well-attached infants is suggested as a clinical sign to indicate the need for biochemical screening for iron deficiency. (AS)

Factor analysis of the Gifted Student Screening Scale (GSSS) indicated that it is appropriate for use with both gifted and nongifted students. Cross-validation using discriminant analysis showed that the GSSS stably differentiated gifted and nongifted students. Cut-scores for identifying students for further testing for gifted programs were…

The paper argues that the poor predictive validity of many preschool screening tests can be traced to heavy reliance on traditional psychometric approaches. Both theory and data are presented to illustrate the efficacy of an approach featuring active cognitive development. (Author/CL)

In a follow-up of 208 boys, the 16 who scored low on a prekindergarten screening battery, but were satisfactory readers four years later, were compared with 13 others low on both prekindergarten and reading measures. Fourteen of the good readers, but only one poor reader, were classified by criteria consisting mainly of biographical variables.…

This article describes the logic and assumptions on which health risk appraisals (HRAs) are based and offers recommendations for appropriate use of HRAs with school-age children. Specific ways to optimize the instructional benefits and to minimize the shortcomings are suggested. (MT)

Explored the effect of scoring the entire K scale on the Faschingbauer Abbreviated MMPI (FAM) scales (N=1,258 normals; 1,181 psychiatric inpatients). The latter increased the correlation between abbreviated and standard sales by amounts proportional to the degree of K-correction, suggesting a cost-effective means of improving the FAM. (Author/JAC)

The Development Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL), a preschool screening instrument, was administered to 436 three- to five-year-olds. Results, in terms of the number of children identified as having potential problems, and the organization of the DIAL subscales, supported the use of the DIAL. (Author/CL)

Utilized time-saving Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) scoring procedures in two ex post facto investigations following approaches outlined by Vincent (1979) and Himelstein (1983). Results indicated high correlation between the Vincent and Himelstein approaches and WAIS Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs while maintaining integrity of…

A widely used preschool screening test, DIAL (Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning) was revised and restandardized on a national sample of 2,447 children. The rationale for the test construction and test standardization are discussed and the establishment of norms in the form of cut-off points are described. (Author/CL)

Scores of elementary school students referred for special education on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Functions (CELF) were compared to rating of language specialists. CELF tests did not consistently identify children requiring therapeutic help nor those with language deficits. CELF scores also exhibited considerable variability. (Author/CL)

Compares the Stanford-Binet, Ammons Full-Range Picture Vocabulary, Columbia, and Wechsler-Bellevue tests and determines that an extended completion test can be used as a quick screening device to distinguish educble mentally handicapped from trainable, and to distinguish levels of mental retardation. (MB)

The author cites issues involved in defining learning disabilities and suggests that it is a subcategory of underachievement. He summarizes his ongoing attempt to identify underachievers in kindergarten through a regression-referenced approach. (CL)