National survey of school psychologists regarding use of dynamic assessment and other nontraditional assessment techniques

Abstract

A national survey investigating the use of dynamic assessment and other nontraditional assessment techniques among school psychologists (N = 226) was conducted. Results of the survey indicated that 42% of respondents were at least “somewhat familiar” with dynamic assessment. However, of those familiar with dynamic assessment, only 39% reported using the techniques once a year or more. The most frequently endorsed reasons for not using dynamic assessment (if familiar with it) were lack of knowledge and time restraints. Learning disabled students were the population of students most often evaluated using dynamic assessment and the dynamic assessment was most often used to determine processing strengths and weaknesses. The majority of those familiar with dynamic assessment became so through independent reading. Only 10% reported learning about dynamic assessment through course work. In response to questions regarding assessment techniques most often used with minority students the majority of respondents reported using traditional assessment tools including the WISC-III (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition), BINET IV (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition), or KABC (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children). Overall, the results of the survey suggest that although the population is becoming increasingly more diverse and changes in PL94-142 (Public Law 94-142) demand functional assessments, school psychologists continue to rely heavily upon traditional assessment techniques to address referral concerns of all students. This may in large part be due to weaknesses in graduate training programs. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.