A rationale for the multidimensional approach to giftedness is presented, and creativity in the multidimensional model is examined. Several conclusions about the assessment of creative talent are made, along with thirteen specific recommendations. Some continuing problems in the area are discussed, along with needed research. (DLS)

The authors discuss ways to graph and view the performance of learning disabled (LD) students on the Detroit Test of Learning Aptitude (DTLA). Analysis of level and spread of scores as well as of the types of errors are described. A remediation approach is then developed based on individual strengths and weaknesses. (CL)

The author describes the nature of music aptitudes of very young children and presents validity information which pertains to the Primary Measures of Music Audiation, a group test designed to identify musically gifted children and to diagnose the musical strengths and weaknesses of each young child. (SBH)

Reviews 12 studies to determine whether coaching improves student performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). While results are mixed, evidence suggests that coaching does not appreciably improve students' verbal or math scores. Factors such as test reliability and weighting SAT scores with high school records should be considered. Includes…

Foreign language aptitude was the subject of much research in the 1950s and has been the subject of intermittent research for the last 30 years. Aptitude is measured by the amount of time it takes an individual to learn. Foreign language aptitude appears to differ from general aptitude or intelligence. One theory states that foreign language…

School effectiveness cannot be assessed by comparing group performances on standardized tests. Instead, each child's progress, in accordance with his or her capabilities, should be measured. Certain assessment models can help chart individuals' progress in reading and writing. Focusing on individual results enchances collective program assessment.…

This study used meta-analysis research techniques to determine if there are differences in General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) validities and test scores between males and females. The sample consisted of 26,111 subjects from 122 Specific Aptitude Test Battery (SATB) validation or revalidation studies analyzed since 1972. Four approaches were…

Teachers concerned about excessive testing may be depriving themselves of useful information provided by standardized achievement tests and their own exams. Teachers tend to separate testing from teaching. This article explores the relationship among data collection, curriculum planning, and instruction and gauges the impacts of mandated…

Discusses controversies concerning the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), in a conversation between National Endowment for the Humanities president, Lynne V. Cheney, and College Board president, Donald Stewart. The discussion centered around (1) the SAT as a predictor of college performance; (2) uses of achievement tests; and (3) education in…

This paper rates the technical aspects of 41 tests that match characteristics associated with giftedness, using criteria developed in "A Consumer's Guide to Tests in Print" (Hammill, Brown, Bryant, 1989). A summary of validity studies showing these tests' use in identifying gifted youngsters for special programs is also provided. In this sample of…

Discuss seven basic intellectual competencies possessed by all human beings: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Because I.Q. tests can measure only the first two qualities, this interview suggests evaluating schools by quality of educational experiences and students by project…

Tests producing results that are used to make important decisions about students, schools, and curricula should not be developed locally by teachers. Although district educators at all levels need to become familiar with measurement nuances, the development of high stakes tests is best left to measurement professionals. Includes four references.…

Offers suggestions for identifying and instructing the verbally gifted. (JL)

Stresses that music teachers should be able to identify gifted and talented students for special programs. Explains some of the issues involved in the identification process, describes various types of data and data-gathering instruments that have been developed, and gives some general guidelines for setting up an identification procedure. (SLM)

An analysis of a survey of assessment practices of 131 school psychologists revealed that they most often used the Wechsler Scales to identify gifted, gifted/learning disabled, and learning disabled students despite the availability of newly developed tests. A number of training needs relating to assessment were also identified. (Author/VW)