Explored similarities between psychosocial environments of consultee-centered consultation groups and task-oriented, social-recreational, and psychotherapy/mutual support groups as measured by the Group Environmental Scale (GES). Findings from 180 student teachers involved in consultee-centered mental health consultation groups revealed that GES…

Data from 664 students referred for special education evaluations were used to create Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) short form. Used short form during 3-year reevaluations of 35 learning-disabled students. All short form deviation quotients fell within students' Full Scale intelligence quotient range. No student was…

Explores extra-year placements for children considered at risk for early school failure before entering the first grade. Fourth-grade follow-up achievement outcome data of placed and nonplaced transitional extra-year school readiness samples indicate a nonsignificant standardized score difference, as noted in the second-grade findings. Study…

The Test of Variable Attention (TOVA), widely used in the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, was studied along with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III (WISC-III). Explores whether the TOVA is a measure of psychomotor speed function rather than sustained attention. Results indicated that there was no correlation…

In the current paper we describe the methodology and results of the Oswego study, in light of D.V. Cicchetti, A.S. Kaufman, and S.S. Sparrow's (this issue) criticisms regarding the validity of the human health/behavioral claims in the PCB literature. The Oswego project began as a replication of the Lake Michigan Maternal Infant Cohort study.…

This study investigated the similarity of information provided from a daily behavior report card (DBRC) as rated by the teacher to direct observation data obtained from external observers. In addition, the similarity of ratings was compared with variations of problem severity (mild, severe) and teacher training (none, some). Results suggested a…

This review examines the efficacy of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as an assessment methodology for enhancing student achievement. We describe experimental-contrast studies in reading and mathematics in which teachers used CBM to monitor student progress and to make instructional decisions. Overall, teachers' use of CBM produced significant…

Full Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised evaluations have become a drain on school resources. A screening formula for gifted students, utilizing three WISC-R subtests, was evaluated using traditional epidemiological techniques. The screen correctly detected the majority of gifted students and could have major implications in terms of…

Investigated the effect of three formats of a rating scale on 11 teachers' effectiveness in identifying gifted students. Results suggested a behavior rating scale resulted in the greatest number of children being correctly identified. Nomination forms should be made sensitive to the specific population being screened. (JAC)

Evaluated a short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (California Abbreviated WISC for the Intellectually Gifted) for screening gifted referrals. Results indicated the short form could be effective in predicting full-scale intelligence quotient even when the prediction was based on data from the original WISC. (Author/JAC)

Compared the assessments of 18 judges asked to use an array of information to differentiate learning disabled students. Found judges extremely inaccurate and in little agreement with each other. Different judges emphasized different factors. Results cast doubt on the ability of school personnel to identify learning disabilities accurately.…

Provides a rationale for obtaining evaluative feedback concerning the perceived usefulness of school psychological reports and their impact on the development of individual educational plans. Research data and authoritative opinion support the need for feedback on a case-by-case basis. A working copy of a brief evaluation form is included. (Author)

In order for teacher education students to assess children's performance related to environment, data that might influence learning was collected. Relationships emerged between contextual variables as well as between child variables. (RC)

The evaluation of school psychological services is a responsibility and an opportunity too long ignored. This paper describes and presents examples of five data collection devices which can be used in the evaluation effort: the vignette-based questionnaire, the role-model questionnaire, the services received questionnaire, the teacher interview,…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997) requires identification of emotional disturbance by special education criteria. It also requires that emotional disturbance be distinguished from social maladjustment. In some cases, a thorough evaluation of the child's character pathology can aid in this determination. While methods such as…