Technical Adequacy of Assessment Instruments: Can We Agree?

Abstract
The issue of the technical adequacy (norms, reliability, and validity) of assessment instruments is critical to the decision-making process in special education. Tests evaluated Ysseldyke (1979) with regard to technical adequ ated using the same criteria. There was disagreement on 11 of the 30 tests used in both evaluations, demonstrating that current test standards are vague enough that experts disagree. The criteria and considerations involved in judging the technical adequacy of the tests are discussed, providing a revised evaluation of some tests. Information is provided to enable the consumer to make a more careful and judicious selection of assessment instruments.