Results obtained from normative or criterion-referenced assessments are sufficient to determine the starting point for most students' academic or social instruction. However, some students' learning/behavior difficulties are subtle and complex and, thus, necessitate a more global assessment to ensure the most appropriate instructional approach. This paper discusses the rationale for conducting an ecological assessment, a model for conceptualizing ecological assessment data, factors affecting student performance, sources of ecological assessment data, and implications of such data for the teacher of learning disabled students.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AdamsR.S.BiddleB.J.Realities of teaching. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1970.
2.
AxelrodS.HallR.V.TamsA.A comparison of common seating arrangements in the classroom. Paper presented at the Kansas Symposium on Behavior Analysis in Education, Lawrence, KS, May 1972.
3.
BaerD.M.A note on the absence of a Santa Claus in any known ecosystem: A rejoinder to Willems. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1974, 7, 167–170.
4.
BronzaftA.L.McCarthyD.P.The effect of elevated train noise on reading ability. Environment and Behavior, 1975, 7 (4), 517–528.
5.
BrophyJ.GoodT.Teacher-student relationships: Causes and consequences. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1974.
6.
BryanT.H.An observational analysis of classroom behaviors of children with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1974, 7, 26–34.
7.
BryanT.H.Social relationships and verbal interactions of learning disabled children. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1978, 11, 107–115.
8.
BryanT.H.WheelerR.FelcanJ.HenekT.“Come on Dummy.” An observational study of children's communication. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1976, 9 (10), 661–669.
9.
CarrollA.W.The classroom as an ecosystem. Focus on Exceptional Children, 1974, 6 (4), 1–11.
10.
ChapmanR.B.LarsenS.C.ParkerR.M.Interactions of first-grade teachers with learning disordered children. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1979, 12 (4), 20–25.
11.
CooperJ.O.Measurement and analysis of behavioral techniques. Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill, 1974.
12.
HardinV.Ecological assessment and intervention for learning disabled students. Learning Disability Quarterly, 1978, 1 (2), 15–20.
13.
HawkinsR.P.SluyterD.M.Modification of achievement by a simple technique involving parents and teachers. Paper presented at the AERA Convention, Minneapolis, March 2–6, 1970.
14.
HeronT.E.Maintaining the mainstreamed child in the regular classroom: The decision-making process. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1978, 11 (4), 210–216.
15.
HeronT.E.AxelrodS.Effectiveness of feedback to mothers concerning their children's word recognition performance. Reading Improvement, 1976, 13 (2), 74–81.
16.
HewardW.L.DardigJ.C.RossettA.Working with parents of handicapped children. Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill, 1979.
17.
IanoR.AyersD.HellerH.McGettiganJ.WalkerV.Sociometric status of retarded children in an integrative program. Exceptional Children, 1974, 40, 467–471.
18.
JacksonP.W.Life in classrooms. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1968.
19.
KitanoM.D.StiehlJ.ColeJ.T.Role taking: Implications for special education. Journal of Special Education, 1978, 12 (1), 59–74.
20.
KrantzP.J.RisleyT.R.Behavior ecology in the classroom. In O'LearyD.K.O'LearyS.G. (Eds.), Classroom management: The successful use of behavior modification. New York: Pergamon Press, 1977.)
21.
KrothR.L.WhelanR.J.StaplesJ.M.Teacher application of behavioral principles in home and classroom environments. Focus on Exceptional Children, 1970, 3, 1–10.
22.
LovittT.C.In spite of my resistance … I've learned from children. Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill, 1977.
23.
MayronL.W.OttJ.N.NationsR.MayronE.L.Light radiation and academic behavior: Initial studies on the effects of full-spectrum lighting and radiation shielding on behavior and academic performance of school children. Academic Therapy, 1974, 10, 33.
24.
O'LearyK.D.O'LearyS.G.Classroom management: The successful use of behavior modification (2nd ed.). New York: Pergamon Press, Inc., 1977.
25.
Rogers-WarrenA.WarrenS.F.Ecological perspectives in behavior analysis. Baltimore: University Park Press, 1977.
26.
SteinzorB.The spatial factor in face-to-face discussion groups. Journal of Abnormal Social Psychology, 1950, 45, 552–555.
27.
StephensT.M.Teaching skills to children with learning and behavior disorders. Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill, 1977.
28.
WallaceG.LarsenS.C.Educational assessment of learning problems: Testing for teaching. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1978.
