As you look at a new evaluation or assessment instrument, consider the following characteristics of the instrument:

1. What is the purpose of the instrument? Screening? Determination of eligibility? Program planning? Monitoring progress? Program evaluation?

2. What is the "content" of the instrument? Is it multi-domain? Single-domain? What does the instrument measure?

3. Is the instrument norm-referenced or criterion-referenced? Is there an accompanying curriculum?

4. What are the outcome measures that the instrument yields? Standard scores? Age equivalent scores? Percent correct?

5. How is the instrument administered? Administered in a one-to-one, structured format? Observational? Rating scale? Is parent input included?

6. Are adaptations for children with disabilities included?

7. Is this a tool that could be helpful in your program?

Mary McLean, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
"The IFSP Process: Best Practices in Evaluation and Assessment," sponsored by the Wisconsin Personnel Development Project, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Fall 2001