A multidimensional approach to assessment of children with learning difficulties is examined. The approach explores factors along five dimensions: (1) learner characteristics (motivation, social-emotional maturity, cognitive abilities and styles); (2) task-based contributors (match of tasks to maturational levels and to cognitive style); (3)…

Reviewed are such techniques as classroom observation, using criteria for success in educational prescriptions, and plotting daily performance for evaluating the severely disturbed child. Included are such materials as a sample diagnostic test schedule, a paper on observation procedures, and graphs for recording behavior. (SBH)

Various approaches to language assessment of the preschool child are reviewed, and the use of language sample analysis as part of a language assessment package is considered. The pros and cons of such approaches as checklists, screening tests, and language sample analysis are considered. Procedures for administering the language sample analysis…

Alternative approaches to the assessment of language minority students are considered. A comprehensive assessment of the limited English proficient (LEP) student is said to cover the following components: cognitive development, learning proficiency or rate of learning techniques, social adaptation, language assessment (expression, reception,…

Holistic evaluation is a reliable, valid, and cost-effective alternative to the usual mechanical assessment of writing. Writing samples are scored on a five-point scale against an overall impression of development, organization, and coherentness. The method was applied to the Communication Activities Skills Project (CASP) for grades 3-12. Writing…

Gathering, interpreting and conveying diagnostic information to parents of multiply handicapped children is an essential first step in the child's development. Assessment should investigate response to materials, teaching methods and reinforcers. Communication with parents can be enhanced through enlisting their participation in the evaluation…

The paper describes a "mini-assessment" designed to help teachers understand the nature and extent of students' learning problems. A distinction is made between children with reading problems due to neurological differences and those with problems due to emotional, educational, or cultural factors. The importance of identifying and referring the…

A study was made to determine the procedures which supervisors and instructors of counseling practica currently use to evaluate the counseling effectiveness of masters and doctoral level practicum students. Inquiry was also made about the solutions adopted when a student is considered ineffective. The survey elicited responses from 89 individuals,…

A study involving 12 elementary age Hispanic children identified as gifted and placed in a creative arts program investigated the issue of identifying gifted minority group children. Ss were administered the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) and the Cartoon Conservation Scales (CCS). Comparisons were made between teacher…

The paper discusses the teacher's use of such informal techniques as observation and checklists to detect students' particular instructional or behavioral needs, to detect areas of strength or weakness, and to formulate remedial programs. (Author/SBH)

Thomas A. Angelo and K. Patricia Cross have developed strategies for assessing classroom teaching effectiveness at the college level. The assessments are generally ungraded activities which focus on current course work. This paper examines the following assessment activities within the context of teaching and technology: (1) "Muddiest…

Guidelines for the supervisor's role in improving teachers' assessments of their students are offered in this paper. Suggestions for improving formal assessment are provided first, with attention to the various types of formal tests, general test design, and grading procedures. Ways to informally monitor students' learning processes are briefly…

This document discusses basic knowledge about the reading process, in order to help school psychologists make effective recommendations for educational programming. The paper begins by identifying and describing three models of the reading process, a traditional "bottom-up" model, a more emergent "top-down" view, and an interactive model which…

The results from two informal measures (a cloze test and a group reading inventory and a standardized reading test were compared in a study of instruments available for measuring adult reading performance. The three instruments were administered to 158 undergraduates enrolled in reading improvement classes. From this group, 75 subjects were…

A portfolio is a folder assembled by the learner, containing samples of the learner's work collected over a period of time. The kinds of items reflect the nature of the course content. Each individual who decides to use a portfolio approach must develop unique expectations, guidelines for content, and assessment criteria suitable for the purpose…