Factor Composition of the Search Scanning Instrument in Kindergarten

The factorial composition of SEARCH, an individually administered screening instrument resigned to predict subsequent learning failure, was investigated in two suburban kindergarten cohorts. Results of principal components analyses supported a two-factor solution, with orthogonal factors entitled Verbal/Language and Visual Perception. The four discrete perceptual areas thought to underlie the test were not validated. Preliminary analyses of follow-up achievement data revealed superior criterion-related validity for the Verbal-Language factor. Continuing longitudinal assessment should allow more complete evaluation of the construct and predictive validity of this two-factor model.