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Teacher Observation Scales: for identifying children with special abilities |
| Assessment Area |
Cross-curricular
|
| Year level |
2-10 |
| NZ origin? |
Yes |
| Standardised? |
Yes , 1996 |
| Administration to individual or group? |
Individual |
| What does it assess? |
A range of characteristics of learning, leadership, creativity, self determination and motivation |
| Purpose |
To investigate the behavioural characteristics of children with special abilities so that high-quality educational programmes can be implemented. |
| Validity |
Factor analysis undertaken for each of the five scales supports the usefulness of the test in being able to differentiate students with special abilities from other students in New Zealand classrooms. |
| Reliability |
Reliability of the assessment relates to the stability and consistency of teachers' assessments. |
| What measures does it give? |
Weighted scores for each of the five scales. Scores should be interpreted alongside other evidence. |
| How long does it take to administer? |
Untimed, varies with each student |
| How much training is needed? |
None, although teachers should familiarise themselves with the Teachers' Handbook and the student booklet first. |
| Scoring and data analysis |
Directions for scoring are given as an interpretation of the five scale scores. |
| Does it provide 'what next' strategies? |
No |
| Is it available in te reo Maori? |
No |
| Cost? |
Sample costs March 2011, excluding GST:
Manual $12.00
Record sheets (pk of 10) $6.40 |
| Author, date of publication and publisher |
McAlpine & Reid, 1996
NZCER |
| Availability |
Available from NZCER. |
| Further Information |
There are five scales, comprising between 8 and 13 statements:
- The Learning Characteristics scale comprises such behaviours as:
- easily grasps underlying principles, and
- problem-finds as well as problem-solves.
- The Social Leadership Characteristics scale is made up of behaviours such as:
- actively seeks leadership in social situations, and
- communicates well with others.
- The Creative Thinking Characteristics scale contains behaviours such as:
- is not afraid to be different, and
- produces original ideas.
- The Self-Determination Characteristics scale is defined by behaviours such as:
- pushes teachers and adults for explanations, and
- is sceptical of authoritarian pronouncements.
- The Motivational Characteristics scale includes behaviours such as:
- is highly motivated; sets personal goals; and
- tends to be self-critical and evaluative.
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