A t different ages, children develop different competencies. Over time, these peer-interaction skills are transformed into other related competencies. This digest advocates assessment of children's social competence, of which performance on achievement tests is only a small part.
Social competence is the degree to which children adapt to their school and home environments.
Why Academic Tests Are Not Enough T he argument for assessing social competence continues because of the over-reliance on academically oriented standardized tests. Both these domains are important, interdependent measures of adaptation to school. The assessment of social competence calls for the use of observational data, teacher rating scales, peer nomination measures, and standardized tests. In short, multiple assessment measures are needed, particularly for decisions about grade retention or assignment to special classes. Assessment of Social Competence A ssessment of children's social competence requires observation of children interacting with peers.