Assessment of Culturally Diverse Children

Appropriately assessing culturally diverse children involves not only examining abilities and behaviors but also integrating relevant information regarding the examinee’s historical, economic, and social context. In the past, terms such as “cultural deprivation,” and “cultural disadvantage” have been used as reasons for substandard performance by members of racial and ethnic minority groups on various ability measures. However, numerous researchers note that these tests reflect information deemed important by the dominant, majority culture. Historically, tests have been based upon a deficit model indicating that any performance that deviated from the cultural mainstream was viewed as deficient. This does not take into account that culture is a complex construct that influences what an individual values, as well as one’s worldview, language, problem solving abilities, and more, all of which have clear implications for assessment.

The following focuses on culture as it potentially...