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
Category: Content Type
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
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
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
Report Writing: Quantification
Even though standardized test scores should not be used to determine or diagnose disability, quantification is required to demonstrate that a child should receive services. Depending on the district, city, and state laws, a child with a certain percentage of delay in one or more domains is eligible to receive related services or to be placed in special education. It is the evaluator’s job to use his or her clinical judgement to determine percentage of delay if it exists. Read More
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials- Fast Mapping
Fast mapping is a type of novel word-learning, dynamic assessment used in evaluating preschool and school-aged children. Read More
Understanding Assessment: The Importance of Clinical Judgement
Clinical judgment is the knowledge an evaluator develops over years of practice and ongoing education about typical language development and second language acquisition in a certain community. Read More
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials- Language Sample
Language sampling is an essential part of any speech and language evaluation and research has shown it to be less biased against culturally and linguistically diverse children than standardized tests. Information presented in the language sample will consist of utterances collected from the parent interview in critical question 9 as well as language elicited during the evaluation. Read More
