What does the structured observation of intellectual functioning in education measure?
From the Structured Observation of Intellectual Functioning in
Education (SOIFIE) manual: The SOIFE is a scientifically based
structured observation system designed for the purpose of helping
professionals verify deficits in general intellectual functioning
that are consistent with mental retardation or intellectual
disabilities. The system links structured observation and
statistical probability for diagnosis of intellectual disabilities
based on norm-referencing. The SOIFE is composed of 24 items
addressing a broad set of problem-solving strategies, conceptual
reasoning, self-regulating cognitive abilities, executive-system
concepts, and ability to understand spoken language and communicate
orally. The SOIFE’s manual outlines the instrument's validity and
reliability. For example, internal consistency reliability
coefficients exceed .90 for the entire sample. Evidence for
stability and interscorer reliability is also provided and
coefficients are in the .80s and .90s.