Course Description
Principles and practices of effective assessment of dyslexia and other learning disabilities, including various purposes of assessment, psychometric properties of high quality assessment tools, and issues of test administration. Students will identify effective assessment tools, administer informal and formal assessments, and interpret assessment data to design intervention.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete a capstone assessment project.
Athena Title
AST of Dyslexia and Other LD
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Explain the key purposes for reading, writing, mathematics, and behavioral assessment (e.g., screening, diagnostic, outcome, and progress-monitoring assessments) and the role of assessment in planning instruction to meet the specific learning needs of students with dyslexia. 2. Explain the various types of assessment, including formal, informal, norm-referenced, and criterion referenced. 3. Explain the basic principles of test construction, including psychometric properties of tests. 4. Explain the principles for test administration and interpretation. 5. Evaluate and identify appropriate tools for assessing all major elements of literacy. 6. Evaluate and identify appropriate tools for assessing all major elements of mathematics and behavior. 7. Identify tools that can be used to screen for and diagnose the specific language and literacy deficiencies associated with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. 8. Identify methods for monitoring progress during intervention for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. 9. Use progress monitoring tools, including graphic data displays, to make intervention decisions for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. 10. Evaluate and select appropriate text for use in assessment of students with dyslexia. 11. Analyze and interpret students’ formal and informal test results.
Topical Outline
Module 1: Overview of Special Education Module 2: Laws and Ethics in Special Education Assessment Module 3: Understanding and Interpreting Different Types of Scores Module 4: Pre-Referral and Referral; MTSS and RTI Module 5: Eligibility Determination Module 6: Introduction to Reading Assessment: Purposes, Principles, Forms Module 7: Methods of Assessing Early Literacy Knowledge and Skills (Print Concepts, Alphabet Knowledge, Phonological Awareness, Handwriting) Module 8: Methods of Assessing Decoding, Spelling, and Reading Fluency Module 9: Methods of Assessing Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Written Expression Module 10: Methods for Assessing Mathematics Module 11: Methods for Assessing Attention and Behavior Module 12: Cultural/Linguistic Considerations Module 13: Accommodations in Assessment; Mandated Testing Module 14: Conveying Test Results to Families; Transition Considerations
Syllabus