The purpose of this study was to use differential item functioning (DIF) and latent mixture model analyses to explore factors that explain performance differences on a large-scale mathematics assessment between examinees allowed to use a calculator or who were afforded item presentation accommodations versus those who did not receive the same…

Recent legislative and school reform efforts require schools to evaluate and improve educational practices for students with severe disabilities. The authors developed the "Program Quality Measurement Tool" (PQMT) to enable administrators and educators to evaluate the educational programming provided to students with severe disabilities against…

This article critically analyzes research investigating the use of antecedent events in the functional assessment process, with an emphasis on interventions conducted in natural settings. An analysis of 17 articles found that research on antecedent-based interventions lacks a consistent conceptual framework. Suggestions for future research are…

This article reviews use of the term "best practice" in special education and suggests that the term is misleading unless measurable criteria have been systematically applied. A proposed definition focuses on the theoretical basis for a procedure, integrity of the research design and extent of replication, consensus with literature, process and…

This paper argues that the popularity of Reuven Feuerstein's Learning Potential Assessment Device and the Instrumental Enrichment program is based more on philosophical considerations than on technical adequacy. The critique uses semantic, logical, and empirical grounds to conclude that dynamic assessment is not a serious competitor to…

This reply responds to a paper by Frisby and Braden (EC 604 792), which criticized dynamic assessment, especially Reuven Feuerstein's theory and methods. Six critical points are raised and supported with examples from recent research. Criticisms center on theoretical and philosophical misunderstandings as well as failure to consider supporting…

This paper uses the concepts of decision reliability and validity to analyze three alternative psychoeducational assessment strategies: multiple gating, template matching, and time-series methods. It argues that relatively little knowledge is gained through analysis of individual scales and assessment technologies without considering the…