ERIC Number: EJ1141166
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Sep
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0279-6015
EISSN: N/A
A Comparison of Methods to Screen Middle School Students for Reading and Math Difficulties
Nelson, Peter M.; Van Norman, Ethan R.; Lackner, Stacey K.
School Psychology Review, v45 n3 p327-342 Sep 2016
The current study explored multiple ways in which middle schools can use and integrate data sources to predict proficiency on future high-stakes state achievement tests. The diagnostic accuracy of (a) prior achievement data, (b) teacher rating scale scores, (c) a composite score combining state test scores and rating scale responses, and (d) two gated screening approaches was compared in a sample of 614 middle school students. Prior state test performance emerged as the strongest single predictor of future state test scores; however, results provide evidence that educators may consider locally derived cut scores or alternative screening procedures that incorporate multiple data sources. Specifically, the combination of prior achievement data and teacher ratings of student competence often resulted in increases in either sensitivity or specificity as a function of how data sources were combined.
Descriptors: Comparative Analysis, Middle School Students, Educational Diagnosis, Accuracy, Academic Achievement, Rating Scales, Scores, Screening Tests, Reading Difficulties, Mathematics, Achievement Tests, High Stakes Tests, Prediction, Correlation, Reading Achievement, Mathematics Achievement, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Statistical Analysis, Regression (Statistics)
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education; Grade 7; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A