To address whether or not modifications in test administration influence item functioning for students with disabilities on a high-stakes statewide problem-solving assessment, a sample of 868 students (with and without disabilities) from 74 Georgia schools were randomly assigned to one of three testing conditions (resource guide, calculator, or…

The major purpose of this study is to describe a conceptual framework for examining differential item functioning (DIF) and differential person functioning (DPF) as types of model-data misfit within the context of assessing students with disabilities. Specifically, DIF and DPF can be viewed through the lens of residual analyses. Residual analyses…

This investigation examined the three-year stability of WISC-R IQs for a balanced sample of Anglo, Black, and Mexican-American handicapped children. No significant differences in mean IQs were found across the three ethnic groups, although WISC-R Verbal and Performance IQs varied significantly over the test-retest period. (Author/BS)

This study investigated the comparability of SAT Verbal and Mathematical scores for nonhandicapped examinees taking standard administrations and handicapped populations taking extended-time, special administrations. Results showed the two common-factor model to provide a reasonable fit in all populations with the mathematical factor fitting…

This paper reports on the development and content validation of a set of seven assessment instruments designed to be used to estimate a student's current level of functioning in seven independent living skills areas. (Author/LMO)

A random sample (n=50) of a school district's total grade level was evaluated in kindergarten, then in first grade using a comprehensive battery of assessments. Data were interpreted to support the Battelle Developmental Inventory as a valid multifactored assessment for use with both handicapped and nonhandicapped young children. (Author/BS)

The purpose of this study was to provide cross-cultural validation evidence about the factorial structure, reliability, and correlates of the Attitudes Toward Mainstreaming Scale for samples of education students, teachers-in-training, and elementary school teachers in New Zealand. (Author/PN)

Data from the responses of 104 medical and rehabilitation students to the Attitudes toward Disabled Persons Scale-Form B (ATDP-B) were factor analyzed using a principal components solution, with particular attention to the problem of the number of factors to retain. Research supports ATDP-B use as a unidimensional measure. (Author/PN)

Studied differences in the types of errors made by students with disabilities on a multiple choice reading test administered under oral reading accommodations. Findings for 2,999 high school students suggest that it is safe to adhere the same meaning to test scores for disability groups even when the test is administered under different…

Investigated the psychometric properties of the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP; L. Gething, 1991). Exploratory factor analysis with 358 undergraduates and confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 272 undergraduates suggest that the IDP may provide a reasonable measurement of multidimensional attitudes toward individuals with…

The Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale (ATIES) is a measure of positive and negative attitudes toward integrating children with disabilities into regular classes. Results with 445 teachers show that the ATIES defines a unidimensional attitudinal variable and yields interval measures of attitudes toward inclusive education. (SLD)

The reliability and validity of Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP) scores were investigated for 53 mothers of young children with disabilities and 60 mothers of young children without handicaps. Results generally support the integrity of CAP scores, although the random response subscale's reliability could be improved by omitting some items.…

Studied the construct validity for scores on a measure of psychological empowerment, the Psychological Empowerment Scale, for parents of children with a disability. Results of correlational analyses and group discrimination analyses of responses of 293 parents in 3 family support programs provide evidence of the convergent and discriminant…

The scale invariance of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was examined when 412 children were rated by parents on functioning at home and the same children were rated by rehabilitation personnel in an educational setting. Results indicated that parents and personnel can be trained to make similar judgments. (SLD)