Learning Opportunities

This is a three-day intensive course of studies designed to give learners a comprehensive knowledge of "Level B" Assessment.  Level B Assessment includes a wide range of standardized, individualized tests often used in schools.  Examples of such tests are the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement (WJPB-A), the Wechsler Individual Achievement Tests (WIAT), Kauffman Test of Educational Achievement, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), KeyMath Diagnostic Arithmetic Test and many others.  This course will provide participants with the knowledge to access such tests, read and understand the manuals, practice on "low or no-stakes" children and then proceed to use the tests to inform educational decision making in schools.

Throughout the emphasis will be on practical and applicable understanding of Level B tests, when they can be used and for what purpose(s).  We will look at the history of standardized testing and cover such important topics as sources of measurement error, confidence intervals, transformed scores (standard scores, percentile ranks, T scores) and consider grade and age range scores.  Test validity and reliability will be examined and specific attention is paid to sources of assessment error and procedures for reducing it.  We will understand standard deviation and standard error of measurement (and how to use those statistics to interpret test results).  A "check list" of child assessment is provided and discussed.  Questions are welcome throughout the three days.

At the end of the three days a "Certificate of Completion" will be given.