Chapter 10

Question 1

What are the 4 main purposes of education assessments ?

Answer 1

1. How well have students learned the curriculum
2. How well can students apply what they have learned to novel situations
3. Are students ready for the next level of learning
4. does this student have a learning disability

Question 2

What is an achievement test, give an example.

Answer 2

These tests measure academic acomplishment and can be nationally standardized.

• the WIAT-II measure domains of math, reading, writing, listening and speaking
• the WRAT-5 measures reading comprehension and math computation

Question 3

What are some drawbacks to achievement tests ?

Answer 3

These tests must be psychometrically sound and the content on these test must be up-to-date and culturally accurate

Question 4

What are aptitude tests ? Give an example

Answer 4

Measures learning from life experience or informal learning experiences

• the SAT is a prognostic test for school admittance
• There are several preschool tests that are done as well

Question 5

What is a diagnostic test ? Give an example

Answer 5

Used to identify areas of deficit or challenge in a students learning
- The Woodcock Reading Mastery Test WRMT-III measures reading difficulty for young kids to older adults

Question 6

What are 3 other forms of assessment tools ?

Answer 6

1. Portfolio assessments: evaluation of ones work samples with specific content
2. Authentic assessment: evaluation of meaningful tasks that relate to academic subject matter and its transfer to real-world situations
3. Peer appraisals: Evaluation from ones peers

Question 7

What are the 4 criteria of the DSM definition of a learning disability ?

Answer 7

1. Difficulties learning and using academic skill for 6+ months despite interventions
2. academic skills are substantially below age expectations
3. Beings during school-age years but may not manifest until demands exceed capabilities
4. Not better accounted for by another disorder

Question 8

Give an example of an academic skill and how it may be affected ?

Answer 8

1. Reading: difficulty sounding out words, or guesses frequently
2. Reading comprehension: difficulty understanding what they are reading
3. Spelling: adding, omitting or substituting letters
4. Number sense: poor understanding of numbers and what they mean

Question 9

For criteria 2 of the DSM, what is the specific guideline?

Answer 9

Performs at least 1.5 standard deviations below the standardized norm on the test in a specific domain

Question 10

What are some cultural considerations for learning disabilities ?

Answer 10

Different languages have a different emphasis on phonology and orthography therefore disabilities manifest differently for each language
- proficiency must be considered in relation to all languages spoken by the individual