Johnson, Samantha J., Marlow, Neil and Wolke, Dieter (2011) Assessing academic attainment : a brief, psychometrically sound measure for use in middle childhood. In: 52nd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Research, Newcastle, UK, 14-17 Oct 2011. Published in: Pediatric Research, Vol.70 (No.5s). p. 124.

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Abstract

Background: Assessing educational outcomes in high-risk populations is crucial for defining long term functional outcomes. Standardised tests are costly and time-consuming for large-scale investigations. A valid and reliable teacher-report measure would be advantageous. Aim: To assess the psychometric properties of the 'Teacher Academic Attainment Scale' (TAAS). Methods: Participants comprised 340 children aged 10-11 years (n=187 born extremely preterm [< 26 weeks] and n=153 born at term) were assessed using the reading and mathematics scales of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-II (WIAT-II), a Gold Standard measure. Class teachers completed the TAAS, a 7-item questionnaire for assessing academic attainment. The TAAS was also completed at 6 years of age for 266 children. Results: Cronbach's alpha=0.95 indicated excellent internal consistency, and a significant correlation (r=0.77, p< 0.001) between TAAS scores at 6 and 11 years indicated good long-term test-retest reliability. Significantly higher TAAS scores for term vs. preterm children demonstrated discriminative validity. TAAS scores at both 6 and 11 years were significantly correlated with WIAT-II reading (r=0.69 & r=0.75, p< 0.001) and mathematics (r=0.75 & r=0.82, p< 0.001) scores demonstrating good predictive and concurrent validity, respectively. TAAS scores < 2.5 were good predictors of learning impairment in reading (sensitivity 93% specificity 78%) and mathematics (sensitivity 90% specificity 87%). Conclusions: The TAAS is a brief, psychometrically sound teacher-report of academic attainment that yields both continuous and categorical outcomes. It provides a highly reliable, valid, cost- and time-efficient outcome measure for large-scale multi-site studies both within and across countries.

Item Type:	Conference Item (Paper)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Psychometrics, Academic achievement -- Research
Journal or Publication Title:	Pediatric Research
Publisher:	Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:	0031-3998
Date:	November 2011
Volume:	Vol.70
Number:	No.5s
Page Range:	p. 124
Identification Number:	10.1203/01.pdr.0000403893.61640.b6
Status:	Not Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Conference Paper Type:	Paper
Title of Event:	52nd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Research
Type of Event:	Other
Location of Event:	Newcastle, UK
Date(s) of Event:	14-17 Oct 2011
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/40703

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