Sammons Preston Writing and Spelling Language — Fourth Edition

The fourth edition of Test of Written Language (TOWL-4) is a norm-referenced, comprehensive diagnostic test of written expression. It is used to (a) identify students who write poorly and, therefore, need special help, (b) determine students' particular strengths and weaknesses in various writing abilities, (c) document students' progress in special writing programs, and (d) measure writing in research. The test was normed on 2,505 individuals from 18 states whose demographic characteristics approximate those of the U.S. population in 2005. The sample was stratified by age.The TOWL-4 has two forms (i.e., Form A and Form B), each of which contains seven subtests. The subtests represent the conventional, linguistic, and conceptual aspects of writing. Subtests 1-5 use contrived formats; subtests 6-7 use a spontaneously written story to assess important aspects of language. Overall Writing estimates students' writing ability when measured by subtests that use both spontaneous and contrived formats. The results of all seven subtests are combined to form this composite.Contrived Writing estimates students' writing ability when measured by subtests that are contrived formats. The results of five subtests are combined to form this composite.Spontaneous Writing estimates students' writing ability when measured by subtests that are scored by evaluating their spontaneously composed essays. The results of two subtests are combined to form this composite.Examiner's Manual; 3 Large Colored Picture Cards; 50 4-Page Record/Story Scoring Forms; 25 12-Page Student Response Booklets, Form A; 25 12-Page Student Response Booklets, Form B; and Supplemental Practice Scoring Booklet, all in a sturdy storage box.