Dynamic assessment in early intervention implications for serving American Indian/Alaska Native families Susan Rae Banks and John T. Neisworth [electronic resource] /

The continued use of standardized norm-referenced assessment instruments with American Indian/Alaska Native infants and young children is of concern to the Nations' leaders, family members, educational leaders, and service providers, as is the lack of research in this area. The use of such instruments is highly suspect with respect to reliability and validity issues. Alternative approaches are suggested in emerging literature that emphasize treatment and social validity. Dynamic assessment is a major alternative approach that seems well suited to assessments for infants and young children with sensory motor, affective, and cultural differences not represented in norms of typical standardized instruments. This paper provides both a brief definition of dynamic assessment and a summary of cultural implications. It also addresses the potential utility of dynamic assessment approaches for young American Indian/Alaska Native children and their families based on empirical studies conducted with early childhood populations.