A standard deviation (SD) is a quantity derived from the distribution of scores from a normative sample. The standard deviation is the average distance (or deviation) from the mean. Read More
Author: Leaders Project
Understanding Assessment: How Does Linguistic Bias Affect Language Evaluations?
Linguistic bias can be bias towards speakers of other languages or dialects, or towards bilingual speakers and results in inaccurate assessment of children from linguistic backgrounds other than Standard American English. As a result, minorities are overrepresented in special education programs (IDEA 2004). Read More
Understanding Assessment: Problems with Percentile Rank and Age Equivalency
The percentile rank of a score is percentage of total scores from the normative sample that were equal or lesser than the value of the score. It can be plotted on the bell curve of a normal distribution. Read More
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials- Dynamic vs. Static Assessment
A variety of sessmentsessment materials and procedures are frequently used in speech and language as well as psychoeducational evaluations. These include static and dynamic assessments and language samples. Read More
Understanding Assessment: Understanding the Normative Sample
The terms normative sample and standardization sample refer to the same concept and are often used interchangeably, though standardization sample is the term more frequently used in statistics and normative sample is more common within psychometrics. A norm referenced test uses a normative or standardization sample from the general population to determine what is “typical” or “normal” in that population. Read More
Understanding Assessment: Types of Validity in Testing
Validity refers to the degree to which an item is measuring what it’s actually supposed to be measuring. Read More
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials – Parent Interviews
The parent/primary caregiver interview is s necessary part of any quality evaluation. The interview is used to gain information used in several parts of the evaluation. Read More
Report Writing: Language Background and Use
It is essential to get a thorough background of the child’s language development and acquisition, including exposure to other languages and dialects, in order to differentiate a disorder or delay from processes of normal second language acquisition. Here is an explanation of what the language background and use section should include. Read More
