Intercorrelations among tests of general mental ability and achievement for black and white deaf children

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of two measures commonly used to predict school achievement of black and white deaf children. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised and the Hiskey-Nebraska Test of Learning Aptitude correlated significantly with Stanford Achievement Test scores for 23 black children but not for 36 white. Even though the groups differed significantly in WISC-R Performance IQ, Hiskey learning quotient, and in CA, they did not differ in achievement level. While the WISC-R and Hiskey appear to have some predictive validity for the black sample, the findings of no differences in achievement suggest little practical validity of these measures for grouping or placement or for making administrative or instructional decisions.