Validity and Reliability of a Simple Device for Readiness Screening

The utility of the Hayes Early Identification Listening Response Test (HEILRT), a rapidly administered screening test for readiness for first grade, was studied with 121 kindergarten pupils who were tested at the beginning of the academic year. The test could be administered in 15 to 20 minutes to groups of up to 30 children at a time. Reliability of the test was estimated to be .86 and rater reliability was .99. The test correlated highly positively (.79) with the Metropolitan Readiness Test, but not with age, number of siblings, or educational level of the mother. It was concluded that based upon the data, the HEILRT held promise as a readiness screening instrument for use with kindergarten children.