The authors encourage those in the field of school psychology to consider the use of learning disabilities assessment practices in relation to specific American Psychological Association and National Association of School Psychologists ethical codes and in regard to the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association,…

Explains the rationale, methodology, and advantages of the regression equation approach to quantifying academic discrepancy, an aspect of learning disability. Variations of the expectancy formula and IQ-achievement difference approach produce serious errors of including too many above average children and too few below average. (JAC)

The Coping Inventory, an observation instrument designed to assess the behavior and skills of handicapped children, is described. The 48-item inventory is divided into two categories--self and environment; each category is subdivided into three dimensions--productive, active, and flexible. (PHR)

The authors describe the assumptions and characteristics of the Curriculum-Based Vocational Assessment approach in meeting the challenges contained in the Perkins Act's assessment mandate. They present a definition and characteristics of this approach. Such issues as personnel, cost considerations, and adaptability are considered, and…

Discusses career/vocational assessment information as it is used to improve career-vocational preparation of youth with disabilities. Shows how counselors can help these students make transition from school to work or higher education by participating in multidisciplinary team. Discusses application of career-vocational assessment to educational…

Discusses three measurement approaches to assessing quality of life for individuals with disabilities (quality of life as measure of life satisfaction across life domains, measure of adaptive functioning/environmental mastery, and measure of changes in response to services provided). Provides examples of approaches and discusses implications for…

Introduces ecological framework for assessment and rehabilitation planning of learning disabled persons to facilitate integration of information and perspectives. Operationalizes framework through four dimensions: individual attributes; environmental attributes; nature, quality, and sequence of interactions; and perceptions of involved…

This article highlights some of the defining characteristics of distance education courses and their impact on traditional assessment practices for instructors and students, including those with learning disabilities. Factors that instructors need to consider for dealing with test accommodations for students with learning disabilities are…

This article describes individual differences in phases of writing development between typical students and students with language learning problems. Using an illustrative case study of a 10-year-old, the article demonstrates how school-based writing samples can serve as a dynamic tool for analysis of interactions among the linguistic and…

Reviews approaches for identification and diagnosis of specific learning disabilities and assessment strategies for elucidating functional and vocational deficits associated with specific learning disabilities. Discusses recommendations for provision of comprehensive assessment services. (Author/CM)

Considers approaches to assessing writing disabilities that use theory-based process measures to explain discrepancies between intelligence quotient (IQ) and achievement; may define learning disabilities independent of IQ; and employ branching diagnosis based on selected tests rather than all tests in standard battery. Outlines model for using…

The use of grade equivalent scores contrasted against grade placement is widespread in the diagnosis of dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Discusses difficulties and distortions of this method. Presents an alternative method for reliably determining aptitude/achievement discrepancies. (Author)

Proposes a method of standardizing the assessment units of measurement that apply to individualized education program (IEP) development. The model presented consists of four phases: (1) ability assessment, (2) achievement assessment, (3) discrepancy assessment, and (4) program development. Suggests a careful analysis of information may affect IEP…

The authors focus on the need for administrators to deal with the problem of teacher burnout as it relates to the implementation of Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). (Author)