Early Identification of Handicapped Children through a Frequency Sampling Technique

Abstract

A pilot study was initiated with three regular preschool classes (65 children) to determine the validity of identifying preschool handicapped children (3½ to 5½ years of age) through a frequency sampling technique. Seven 1 minute samples of academic behavior were developed for 4 year olds and nine 1 minute samples for 5 year olds. The 1 minute samples involved learning tasks all children were expected to achieve during the school year (e.g., matching colors). The frequency of correct responses of each child on the tasks was compared with other students in the school at the same age level. By noting all children performing in the lower 25% of frequency scores, a list of at risk learners was developed. When comparing the list of children identified through the frequency sampling technique with teacher identification of at risk children at the end of the school year, a correlation above .9 was found.