Abstract:
At the same time that research has raised questions about the efficiency, cost effectiveness and overall value of triennial reevaluation in special education programs, school psychologists have expressed a desire to spend less time in psychometric testing. This study examined the effects of using the General Purpose Abbreviated Battery of the Stanford-Binet: Fourth Edition (Binet GP) in the triennial reevaluation of learning disabled students.The Binet GP, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement-Brief Form (Kaufman BF) were given concurrently to 50 learning disabled students during triennial reevaluation. Intelligence/ achievement discrepancy scores were calculated by subtracting Kaufman BF achievement subtest scores from achievement levels predicted by performance on the Binet GP and WISC-R intelligence scales. These discrepancy scores were compared to determine how use of the Binet GP might effect eligibility for placement in a learning disabilities program. Cognitive scores derived from the Binet GP and the WISC-R were also compared.Descriptive statistics and univariate correlations were computed. The correlational relationship between intelligence scores on the Binet GP and the WISC-R was significant, positive and substantial. The relationship between discrepancy scores was significant, positive and high. A repeated measures analysis of mean differences between Binet GP and WISC-R scores was nonsignificant as was a comparison of the variances and mean discrepancy scores. A chi-square and a coefficient of level of classification (Kappa) were used to test agreement in classification as projected by Binet GP and WISC-R discrepancy scores. Agreement in classification and level of classification was significant with 86% of the subjects classified the same by both cognitive measures. It appears that, used judiciously and in like context, the Binet GP might be a time efficient and valid addition to reevaluation.