The Concurrent Validity of the Larsen-Hammill Test of Written Spelling in Relation to the California Achievement Test

Abstract

The Larsen-Hammill Test of Written Spelling (TWS) scores were correlated with scores received on the California Achievement Test (CAT) by 45 fourth-grade pupils. The two subtest scores on the TWS were used as predictor variables in four multiple regression analyses in which combined Reading, Mathematics, and Language scores along with the Spelling score from the CAT were used as criterion variables. The linear combination of both the TWS predictor variables, Predictable Words and Unpredictable Words, most accurately forecast the CAT Language scores. CAT Spelling scores were significantly predicted by TWS Predictable Words scores, but not so accurately predicted by the addition of the TWS Unpredictable Words scores into the regression equation. The investigation did not lend support to the contention that the TWS yields the same results as the CAT Spelling subtest or other subtests of the CAT.