Abstract
This article presents an information-processing approach to the assessment of learning disabled students' intellectual performance. The model is based on the assumption that intelligent behavior is comprised of a variety of problem-solving strategies. Its validity rests on experimental findings of Brown (1978), Neisser (1976, 1981), Newell and Simon (1972), and Sternberg (1977, 1978, 1979, 1981), to name a few. Each plane of assessment includes decisions about: (a) the relationship between hypothesis testing and overall performance; (b) the knowledge base which influences strategy development; (c) the ability to coordinate, direct, and organize search strategies; (d) the metacognitive parameters of learning and performance; and (e) the abstracting of problem-solving strategies. Sample “probing” questions are provided to direct assessment procedures. Within each plane, different components are assessed. The article presents an account of child problem solving and illustrates its underlying assumptions with a “thinking aloud” protocol. The model suggests that substrategy behavior may develop independently or within different planes. Finally, conclusions are drawn to direct intervention approaches.

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