The article describes the preschool screening test, "Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning" (DIAL), and reviews research findings on the test from 1973 through 1978. It is concluded that the DIAL is maintaining relatively high levels of criterion-related validity (both concurrent and predictive) when compared to other…

Traditionally, the contributions of school psychologists during the screening phase of preschool assessment have been minimal. The purpose of this article is to broaden the school psychologist's perspective regarding preschool screening and in the process introduce some specific screening activities which closely parallel the school psychologist's…

This conference summary presents the views of five early childhood special education professionals, each of whom recommended one child outcome measure and one family outcome measure for use in a typical early childhood special education program serving children from birth to five years with a range of handicapping conditions. (Author/JW)

Questions are raised regarding the appropriateness of testing children for school readiness from both a conceptual standpoint and in terms of the negative reactions created in both children and parents. (JD)

Commenting on the Gesell Institute's response to his original article concerning the Gesell assessments, Dr. Meisels continues to maintain that the Gesell readiness tests lack sufficient proof of validity. (BB)

Responding to Dr. Meisels' article concerning the uses and abuses of the Gesell readiness tests, the Gesell Institute of Child development maintains that the Gesell series of assessments are used by schools to gain a fuller developmental understanding of the child and have been predictive of school success. (BB)

The reasons for using tests in early childhood programs are (1) to increase teachers' confidence in their role performance; (2) to explain and defend early childhood programs; (3) to promote consistency across programs; (4) to provide curriculum and instruction guidance to teachers; and (5) to focus teachers and parents on the more measurable…

High quality preschool programs that bring long-term benefits for children can be achieved by cooperation with the community to determine what is appropriate for local children. Existing programs must be evaluated for information and to avoid similar problems and children's "burn out" from tightly structured approaches. (CJH)

The last decade has seen an increase of interest in early identification of children with potential learning and behavior problems. In the present report, the purposes of early screening are delineated and selected arguments against preschool identification and intervention programs described. Arguments favoring the early screening of preschoolers…

Discusses the effectiveness of Kuwait University Language Center Placement Tests in promoting homogeneity of class ability levels. Looks at the appropriateness of multiple-choice tests of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension for placement and diagnostic purposes in large programs. Concludes that carefully designed and written…

Illustrates the utility of nonreactive measures with preschool children in a variety of contexts. Offers a rationale for using nonreactive and observational tests and interview measures. Discusses four types of nonreactive measures and their limitations. (Author/BB)

Presents a statement to the Montgomery County (Maryland) Council concerning the issue of all-day "whole" kindergarten--combining education and child care--for five-year-old children. (BB)