The WISC-R and Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-2: a Comparative Study

Published in 1985, the Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-2, (DTLA-2) is used widely in schools with students who are experiencing learning prob lems. This study investigated the relationship of the DTLA-2 to the WISC-R with a sample of referred students. Correlation coefficients between the three subscales of the WISC-R and the overall score of the DTLA-2 were high; however, a sig nificant difference between means for those scores also was found. Significant differences between DTLA-2 composite scores for attention and motor skills also were found with this group, a finding that the authors interpret as accurately describ ing the sample. Practitioners are cautioned against using the DTLA-2 overall score as the sole criterion for special education placement until fur ther research can be conducted. While additional studies also are needed to establish the reliability and validity of the composites, the DTLA-2 ap pears promising as an instrument for assessing in traindividual differences.