The recently published fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) represents a considerable departure from previous versions of the scale. The structure of the instrument has changed, and some subtests have been added and others deleted. The technical manual for the WISC-IV provided evidence supporting this new…

This commentary presents academic enablers within the broader, overlapping context of school learning theory, including the theories of Carroll, Harnishfeger and Wiley, Walberg, and others. Multivariate models are needed to understand the influences of academic enabler and school learning variables on learning, as well as the influences of these…

Reports the results of the first joint confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) and the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities-3rd Edition (WJ III). Results of these analyses do not support the construct validity of the CAS as a measure of the PASS (planning, attention, simultaneous, and sequential)…

Presents a response to "Uncovering Critical Research Agendas for School Psychology: Conceptual Dimensions and Future Directions" (this issue). The author expands on some points from the parent article and mentions other directions that the profession should consider. (GCP)

Uses confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to address unresolved issues concerning the structure of the Cognitive Assessment System, a test of intelligence based upon the planning, attention, and simultaneous-successive (PASS) processes theory of human cognition. Results reveal that the CFA of the standardization data do not support use of the CAS…

Describes recent developments in intelligence theory, applied measurements, and research methodology that suggests new research is needed to reexamine the relative importance of both general and specific cognitive abilities in explaining school achievement. Presents summary of results that examines relationship between "g" and seven "Gf-Gc"…

Three levels from the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) standardization sample were randomly selected and their subtest score intercorrelations were subjected to factor analysis. The analyses yielded minor inconsistencies which suggest the instrument does not primarily measure simultaneous and sequential processing and achievement as…

A general introduction to nonexperimental research methods is presented, with a specific focus on path analysis. It is argued that school psychologists often engage in nonexperimental research, but that the methods used are often inappropriate. (TJH)

This article introduces a mini-series on research methods in school psychology. A conceptual overview of research methods is presented, emphasizing the degree to which each method allows the inference that treatment affects outcome. Experimental and nonexperimental, psychometric, descriptive, and meta-analysis research methods are outlined. (SLD)

The use of path analysis to study the manipulable influences on school learning is illustrated. The path model that was developed tests the importance of various influences on the achievement of high school students using data from a large longitudinal set, the High School and Beyond Study. (SLD)

This article highlights three common problems with assessment research, including the following needs: (1) to adopt a hypothesis testing approach; (2) for research to be guided by available formal and informal theory, and (3) for research to be consistent with general school psychological practice. New research methodologies and new research…

Examined effects of parental involvement on achievement of eighth-grade students. Analyzed data from 21,814 students and their parents. Results suggest that parental involvement in students' academic lives is powerful influence on eighth-grade students' achievement. Effect held for all academic areas and appeared to result in part from increased…

The effects of four different components (parental aspirations for children's education, parent/child communication about school, home structure, and parental participation) in school-related activities were assessed. Results suggest that educational aspiration of parents have a powerful influence on 8th-grade student's achievement. Parent…