APA Dictionary of Psychology

an assessment that predicts the ability of a child to cope with schoolwork at an early age. It comprises six subtests (verbal memory, right–left orientation, leg coordination, draw-a-design, numeric memory, and conceptual grouping) designed to measure the cognitive and sensorimotor functions needed to successfully perform school tasks. Poor performance on this assessment may indicate the need for further evaluation and the possible presence of a learning disability, developmental delay, or other cognitive issue. [originally developed in 1978 by Dorothea McCarthy]