PAEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude, 4 th Edition(DTLA-4)

Author: Donald D. Hammill, Edd

 Measure general intelligence and discrete ability areas
Ages 6 - 17 years
 Individual administration
 40 minutes - 2 hours

Description:

The DTLA-4 is one of the oldest and most venerable of the tests of specific mental abilities. The test includes 10 subtests. The results of the subtests can be combined to form 16 composites that measure both general intelligence and discrete ability areas. The test permits interpretation in terms of current theories of intellect and important behavioral domains. The DTLA-4 is the test of choice for professionals interested in a thorough investigation of a person's cognitive functions. It not only measures basic abilities but also shows the effects of language, attention, and motor abilities on test performance.

The test was normed on 1,350 students residing in 37 states. The demographic characteristics of the normative sample are representative of the U.S. population as a whole with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, urban/rural residence, family income, educational attachment of parents, and geographic distribution. The normative information is stratified by age relative to geography, gender, race, residence, ethnicity, and family income.

What's new in the DTLA-4?

Studies showing the absence of gender and racial bias have been added
Reliability coefficients are computed for subgroups of the normative sample as well as for the entire normative sample
Many new validity studies have been conducted; special attention has been devoted to showing that the test is valid for a wide variety of subgroups (including ethnic, racial, disability, and linguistic) as well as for a general population
All pictures in Picture Book 2 have been redrawn in color presenting a more appealing look to examinees
Each test item was reevaluated using both conventional time analysis to choose "good" statistical items and the new differential item functioning analysis to find and eliminate biased items
The number of cases in the test-retest study was increased considerably and coefficients were reported by age intervals. This enhances user confidence in the test's results.
Because most authorities maintain that timed tests are inherently biased against many people with disabilities, the administration procedures for the Story Sequences subtest have been redesigned to eliminate the time factor that existed in the DTLA-3 version of the subtest.
To shorten the test, the Picture Fragments subtest was dropped

Qualification Level: B