Kindergarten screening results as predictors of academic achievement, potential, and placement in second grade

Abstract

The ability of a battery of kindergarten screening measures to predict educationally relevant criteria was investigated. Subtest scores on The Vane Test of Language and The Vane Kindergarten Test administered at the beginning of kindergarten were examined and compared to the Metropolitan Achievement Test scores in reading and math, The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test index, and placement into special education or high achievement programs at the end of second grade. A weighted combination of subtests accurately predicted 77% of the children classified as special education students. The same battery also predicted 73% of the children who were classified as high-achieving students.