SEVERE DISCREPANCY DETERMINATION FOR RETAINED AND NONRETAINED STUDENTS AGE-BASED OR GRADE-BASED ACHIEVEMENT STANDARD SCORES

This study investigated the differences between exclusive use of age-based and grade-based achievement scores on mean achievement, IQ-achievement discrepancies, and severe discrepancy rates for retained and nonretained students. The sample included 225 nonretained and 142 retained students referred to a Child Development Center for psychoeducational assessment. Each was administered an intelligence test and achievement measure that provided age and grade scores. Compared to use of age-based scores, grade-based scores for retained students resulted in higher mean achievement scores, smaller discrepancy sizes, and lower severe discrepancy rates. For nonretained students, use of age scores resulted in higher mean achievement scores, smaller discrepancy sizes, and lower discrepancy rates. Issues that guided score selection are discussed.