Achievement

1
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

2
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

3
Psychoeducational Test Batteries

• Contain both ability/aptitude tests and
  achievement tests

4
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

5
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.

6
Administration, scoring, interpretation

• Oral instructions minimized
• Verbal responses minimized
• Items scored 1 or 0
• Recommendations for teaching based on processing
  strengths

7
Evaluation

• Lots of prepublication research
• Controversy over factor names
• Culture fair
• Teaching recommendations remain to be validated

8
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)

9
DAS Evaluation

• Engaging materials for younger kids
• Adaptive testing format
• Good psychometrics
• Relatively small samples for validity studies

10
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