Traditional static tests of reading and reading-related skills offer some ability to predict future reading performance, though such screeners may misclassify children with or at risk of reading disorder (RD). Dynamic assessment (DA) is an alternative approach that measures learning potential and may be less dependent on learning background. A…

The purpose of this study was to examine the construct and predictive validity of a dynamic assessment (DA) of decoding learning. Students (N = 318) were assessed in the fall of first grade on an array of instruments that were given in hopes of forecasting responsiveness to reading instruction. These instruments included DA as well as…

To explore possible reasons for low self-identification rates among undergraduates with learning disabilities (LD), we asked students (38 with LD, 100 without LD) attending two large, public, research-intensive universities to respond to a questionnaire designed to assess stereotypes about individuals with LD and conceptions of ability. Responses…

This study examined concurrent and longitudinal relations for the "Get Ready to Read!" (GRTR) emergent literacy screener. This measure, within a battery of oral language, letter knowledge, decoding, and phonological awareness tests, was administered to 204 preschool children (mean age = 53.6, SD = 5.78; 55% male) from diverse…

An assessment of foundation processes was administered to 51 Scottish children with reading difficulties and to 56 reading-level-matched controls. Results suggested the foundation is in place by the reading age of 7 years and that foundation-level dyslexia is identifiable in children with reading difficulty whose reading ages fall below this…

This study examined the development of reading and phonological processing abilities of 209 first graders assessed at the beginning and end of the school year. The discriminant analysis, based on reading and intelligence data, correctly identified later group membership (students with and without reading disabilities and "garden variety" poor…

Nine procedures assessing the magnitude or statistical significance of ability-achievement discrepancy dealing only with magnitude were evaluated and found to possess one or more serious statistical deficiencies. The approach with the greatest potential involves assessing the statistical significance (reliability) of a discrepancy score and then…

Some methods for evaluating movements are reviewed and their usefulness for neuropediatric diagnosis discussed. (SBH)

Grade equivalent scores and standard scores for 32 elementary learning disabled were compared and yielded significant correlations. Mean grade equivalent scores did, however, significantly differ for the two reading measures but not when standard scores were used. The two math indices yielded nonsignificant grade equivalent scores. (Author/CL)

An economical procedure for identifying the dyslexic child is described using a parent questionnaire, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (particularly noting behavioral idiosyncrasies), a brief sentence reading test, a brief spelling test, and lateralty tests. Procedures for synthesizing the evaluation information are considered.…

Problems in the application of traditional process-oriented approaches to diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities suggest a need to alter the manner in which these basic processes are conceptualized and measured. (Author)

An ethnographic study of one elementary bilingual special education classroom found three profile types of students, ranging from severe language learning disabilities to normal abilities. Results show the inadequacy of the medical model and support a contextual performance view that acknowledges the role of instructional context in revealing the…

In this study, we examined the characteristics of reading disability (RD) in the seventh grade of the Greek educational system and the corresponding diagnostic practice. We presented a clinically administered assessment battery, composed of typically employed tasks, and a fully automated, computer-based assessment battery that evaluates some of…

The author discusses the complex nature of assessing bilingual special education students, recommends a textbook on the topic, notes the contributions of J. Mercer's System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment, and cites the need for special educators to focus on the issue. (CL)

The study with over 2,500 children (ages 9-14) found the two approaches identified somewhat different groups of children as reading disabled despite little difference in performance on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery for Children. (Author/DB)