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Achievement & Aptitude Tests. Achievement tests measure “accomplishment”; learning that results from exposure to a relatively defined learning experience Advancement to higher levels of ed. Grouping for instructional purposes Eligibility for special education, e.g., learning disabilities.
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Achievement & Aptitude Tests • Achievement tests measure “accomplishment”; learning that results from exposure to a relatively defined learning experience • Advancement to higher levels of ed. • Grouping for instructional purposes • Eligibility for special education, e.g., learning disabilities
Achievement & Aptitude Tests (cont.) • Aptitude tests address informal learning or life experience • Aptitude tests used to predict (prognostic tests) • Tasks not formally taught in schools • Achievement tests designed to measure past learning • Best predictor of future behavior is past behavior
Psychoeducational Test Batteries Contain both ability/aptitude tests and achievement tests
Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) • Based on information processing model • Sequential, Simultaneous, & MPC • Achievement • Standardization Sample: 2000 children ages 2 1/2 - 12 1/2 representative of 1980 census • Exceptional children included
K-ABC Psychometrics • Test-retest ranged from .77 to .97 • 43 validity studies reported in manual • How many factors? • Authors: Seq. & Sim. & Ach. • Alternatives: Seq. & Sim. & Ach. & Reading or Verbal Reasoning & Ach.
Administration, scoring, & interpretation • Oral instructions minimized • Verbal responses minimized • Items scored 1 or 0 • Recommendations for teaching based on processing strengths
Evaluation • Lots of prepublication research • Controversy over factor names • Culture fair • Teaching recommendations remain to be validated
Differential Ability Scales • General Cognitive Ability (GCA) • General Verbal & Nonverbal Scales • 17 specific cognitive subtests • Diagnostic subtests, e.g., short-term memory, visual discrimination • Achievement (arithmetic, word reading, spelling)
DAS Evaluation • Engaging materials for younger kids • Adaptive testing format • Good psychometrics • Relatively small samples for validity studies
Woodcock-Johnson III • Based on Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model • Separate tests of Achievement & Cognitive Abilities • Standard and extended batteries for each • Norms 8818 individuals from 24 mos. to 90+ years