What is individual item analysis and how is it used?

Overview

This article will answer the frequently asked question: What is individual item analysis and how is it used?

What is Individual Item Analysis?

To assess a child's performance, individual item analysis is used to determine if their score on each DESSA item falls within the "strength," "typical," or "need for instruction" range. The authors of the DESSA reviewed and analyzed the ratings of around 2,500 students on each item during its development. As expected, most children received ratings in the middle of the scale (usually "Occasionally" or "Frequently" in the "typical" range), with fewer receiving high scores ("strength" range) or low scores ("need" range). Since the frequency of these behaviors varies in children, the values differ a bit from item to item. For example, item #35 indicates that most children "Frequently" follow rules, but only "Occasionally" do chores without being prompted (item #23). What's significant is that the authors established, through empirical research, the score range that denotes a "need," a "typical" score, or a "strength" for each item. Generally, the lowest 16% of scores on an item indicates the "need for instruction" range, while the middle 68% is deemed "typical," and the top 16% is labeled the "strength" range.

How is the Individual Item Analysis Used?

When planning to help a child, it is important to analyze individual items to understand their specific skills and areas of struggle. Our "Strengths-Needs-Strategies" framework can be used to identify a child's strengths and needs and develop strategies to address them. For instance, in one case study, a child struggled with using available resources to solve a problem but had strengths in getting along with different types of people, saying good things about classmates, and contributing to group efforts. Our strategy for this child was to remind them of their strengths and suggest asking a friend for help when stuck on a problem. We always start with the child's strengths when presenting the strategy. By focusing on their strengths, we can help build their confidence and empower them to overcome their challenges.

Finally, crucial in turning a simple assessment score into a strategy that prioritizes a child's relevant and empirically identified strengths. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) emphasizes that “Assessment only has value if it leads to an improved outcome for the child.”