AssessmentAssessment Special Education Fall 2010

Level A Tests These are tests that can be adequately administered, scores and interpreted –With the aid of a manual –A familiarity with The client population Orientation to the kind of setting within which the testing occurs General knowledge of measurement principles and the limitations of test interpretations

Level A Tests This category includes most: –Interest inventories –Group or individual tests –multiple choice tests (Gates McGinitie)

Level A Tests- Administration Training standards: no training beyond advanced level course (senior undergraduate or graduate) in testing from an accredited college or university or equivalent training under the direction of a qualified supervisor or consultant

Level A Tests: Interpretation Training standard: Minimum standard is no training beyond the advanced level course in testing from an accredited college or university, or equivalent training under the direction of a qualified supervisor or consultant

Level A Tests- Interpretation of tests Training standard: –Best practice: minimum standard plus regular consultation for quality assurance with someone who has level B or C training

Level B Tests Tests which require specific training for administration, scoring and interpretation These tests are more complex than level A tests and require sophisticated understanding of Psychometric principles (validity, reliability, test construction) Traits being measured The client population Clinical issues involved in setting within which the testing is done

Level B Tests Generally include most individual or group tests of achievement or interest, screening inventories and personnel tests

Level B Tests- Administration and Interpretation Minimum Training Standard: –Advanced level course in testing from an accredited college or university –Equivalent training under the direction of a qualified supervisor or consultant including Psychometric principles (validity, reliability, test construction)

Level B Tests- Administration and Interpretation Training standards: –Best practice: minimum standard plus regular consultation/supervision for quality assurance with someone with level C qualifications –Level B tests include the Woodcock Johnson and the Weschler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT)

Level C Tests Require advanced training at the graduate level in the administration, scoring and interpretation of these instruments Require in-depth understanding of: –psychometric principles, –the traits and constructs being measured, the client population, –and the clinical issues involved in the setting within which the testing is done

Level C Tests Generally include aptitude or language of personality or clinical diagnostic test, group or individual Level C tests would include the WISC and Stanford-Binet