Understanding Assessment: Standard Deviation
A standard deviation (SD) is a quantity derived from the distribution of scores from a normative sample and can be defined as the average distance (or deviation) from the mean.
Understanding Assessment: Problems with Percentile Rank and Age Equivalency
The percentile rank of a score is percentage of total scores from the normative sample that were equal or lesser than the value of the score and can be plotted on the bell curve of a normal distribution.
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials- Dynamic vs. Static Assessment
A variety of assessment materials and procedures, including both static and dynamic assessments and language samples, are frequently used in speech and language as well as psychoeducational evaluations.
Understanding Assessment: Understanding the Normative Sample
The terms normative sample and standardization sample refer to the same concept and are often used interchangeably. A norm referenced test uses a normative or standardization sample from the general population to determine what is “typical” or “normal” in that population.
Report Writing: Language Background and Use
Here is an explanation of what the language background and use section should include.
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials – Parent Interviews
The parent/primary caregiver interview is a necessary part of any quality evaluation and can be used to gain information used in several parts of the evaluation.
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials- Fast Mapping
Fast mapping is a type of novel word-learning, dynamic assessment used in evaluating preschool and school-aged children.
Understanding Assessment: The Importance of Clinical Judgement
Clinical judgment is the knowledge an evaluator develops over years of practice and ongoing education about typical language development and second language acquisition in a certain community.
Understanding Assessment: Assessment Materials- Language Sample
Language sampling is an essential part of any speech and language evaluation and research has shown it to be less biased against culturally and linguistically diverse children than standardized tests.
Understanding Assessment: Methods for Evaluating Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic status (SES) affects cultural perspective and speech and language development and can be found in testing materials and the evaluator’s interpretation of assessment performance.
