Australian Children's Performances on the Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language

Abstract

This study examined the performances of 200 Australian children on the Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language (TACL) (Carrow, 1973) and compared the results to the American norms of the test. The data indicated there were no significant differences for any of the age groups 3–0 to 6–11 years between Australian children's performances and the American norms for the fifth edition of the test. However, findings of the study raised serious questions about the test's validity and reliability for accurately assessing Australian children's language comprehension skills, especially those of younger Australian children tested with the TACL. Questions about the TACL's validity for use with American children were also raised as a result of the findings of this study.