The factorial composition of SEARCH, an individually administered screening instrument resigned to predict subsequent learning failure, was investigated in two suburban kindergarten cohorts. Results of principal components analyses supported a two-factor solution, with orthogonal factors entitled Verbal/Language and Visual Perception. The four discrete perceptual areas thought to underlie the test were not validated. Preliminary analyses of follow-up achievement data revealed superior criterion-related validity for the Verbal-Language factor. Continuing longitudinal assessment should allow more complete evaluation of the construct and predictive validity of this two-factor model.
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