Predictive validity of the Developmental Indicator for the Assessment of Learning-Third Edition

The present study investigated the predictive validity of the DIAL-3 kindergarten screening tool. Participants consisted of 178 students from a suburban school district located in northern Westchester County. Chi squared analyses and T-tests were used to compare DIAL-3 scores to later performance on New York State English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments; placement in Special Education; and placement in Academic Intervention Services. Results indicated inflated scores across all DIAL-3 areas rendering few students identified as At-risk by this assessment. Predictive validity was evidenced within the DIAL-3 as no statistically significant findings were evidenced in the prediction of later academic performance or placement in Special Education programs.