Evaluation of a nonintellectual assessment procedure for the early screening of exceptionality

Using a battery of nonintellectual measures with demonstrated validity for the screening of learning disabled and emotionally handicapped pupils, this study evaluated the feasibility of screening for potential educable mentally retarded (EMR) and gifted candidates. The criterion measure used to establish evidence of potential EMR and gifted eligibility was an individually-administered intelligence test. Teacher nominations of pupils they would refer for learning disabled (LD), EMR and gifted evaluation were obtained prior to administration of the screening instruments in a subsample of the participating districts in order to compare IQ criterion groups and screening results with teacher referrals. Results showed that the group of pupils screened by the nonintellectual measures contained 91% of those in the low IQ group (potential EMR) and 86% of those in the high IQ group (potential gifted). By contrast, teacher referrals failed to screen any of those deemed potentially eligible based on IQ criterion scores. The evidence suggests that reliance on conventional methods of teacher referral is inadequate for screening of EMR and gifted pupils, but that screening with the nonintellectual measures demonstrates a promise worthy of wider consideration.