Psychometric Properties of the Working Memory Rating Scale for Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guzman-Orth, Danielle; Grimm, Ryan; Gerber, Michael; Orosco, Michael; Swanson, H. Lee; Lussier, Cathy
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychoeducational assessment. Volume 33:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 555
• Page End: 567
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: working memory -- English language learners -- validity; Ability -- Testing -- Periodicals; Educational tests and measurements -- Periodicals; 371.713
• DOI: 10.1177/0734282914558710
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-2829

Abstract

The Working Memory Rating Scale (WMRS) was designed as a behavioral rating tool to assist teachers in identifying students at risk of working memory difficulties. The instrument was originally normed on 417 monolingual English-speaking children from the United Kingdom. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the WMRS on 459 first- to third-grade Spanish-speaking English Language Learners. Results indicated the one-factor model demonstrated adequate fit to the data. High convergent validity emerged with the Conners' rating scale, but weak correlations occurred with achievement, vocabulary, phonological, short-term memory, and working memory measures. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.