Scale Evaluation and Eligibility Determination of a Field-Test Version of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System–Third Edition

Rasch and classification analyses on a field-test version of the third edition of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System (AEPS-3), a curriculum-based assessment used to assess young children birth to age 6 years, were conducted. First, an evaluation of the psychometric properties of data from each developmental area of an AEPS-3 field-test version was conducted. Next, cutoff scores at 6-month age intervals were created and then the validity of the cutoff scores was evaluated. Results using Rasch modeling indicated acceptable model fit statistics with reasonable reliability estimates within each developmental area. Classification results showed cutoff scores accurately classified a high percentage of eligible children. Findings suggest that scores from a field-test version of the AEPS-3 are reliable within developmental areas. To the extent allowed by state criteria, early childhood interventionists could possibly use a new field-test version of the AEPS-3 to determine or corroborate eligibility for special education services.