Investigation of the Lollipop Test as a Pre-Kindergarten Screening Instrument

Abstract

The validity of the Lollipop Test: A Diagnostic Screening Test of School Readiness was examined for a group of pre-kindergarten subjects using the Developmental Indicator for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL) as the criterion. Both instruments were individually administered by qualified examiners to a sample of 129 prekindergarten pupils. The statistical significance of all the correlations (p < .01) between respective subtests demonstrated concurrent validity across the test batteries. Further, a canonical correlation indicated a high degree of multivariate relationship between the tests. As the Lollipop Test also appeared to overcome the limited ceiling of the DIAL, and requires fewer resources to administer, it would appear to be an attractive alternative prekindergarten screening instrument.