Introduction

The Cross-Battery Assessment (XBA) Certificate Program is designed by the developers of XBA and the Cross-Battery Assessment Software System (X-BASS), Drs. Dawn P. Flanagan, Samuel O. Ortiz, and Vincent C. Alfonso. The webinar content is updated regularly to reflect the latest revisions and updates regarding comprehensive assessment for intervention and specific learning disability (SLD) identification.

The purpose of the XBA approach is to organize assessments by targeted referral concerns so it is more diagnostically relevant than a “standard” battery of tests. XBA provides a set of principles and procedures that guide the practice of crossing batteries from varying assessment options. The result is a psychometrically and theoretically defensible assessment that is responsive to referral questions. The XBA approach allows practitioners to validly measure a wider or more selective and in-depth range of cognitive abilities, processes, and academic skills than any single battery. XBA was introduced in the late 1990s and is based mainly on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory. Several Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment books were authored by Drs. Alan and Nadeen Kaufman and the XBA developers to provide practitioners with an introduction to XBA.

In 2015, the authors introduced the Cross-Battery Assessment Software System (X-BASS) through the publisher Wiley. X-BASS supports cross-battery assessment for over 150 batteries and 1,250 subtests to facilitate test interpretation through multiple types of data analyses. Downloadable updates continue to be integrated into the software based on research and new assessment releases.

XBA Certificate Program training tracks:

21 continuing education (CE) credit Applied Track

Designed for practitioners (e.g., school psychologists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, clinicians) who provide comprehensive evaluations and want to demonstrate mastery in the all aspects of XBA and X-BASS by completing a case study. Options for case studies with English Language Learners are available.

The Applied Track consists of two phases: Phase I includes nine instructional units, most of which are two hours in length and delivered via pre-recorded webinars. Phase II involves three hours of webinar-based small group or individualized consultation in which applied competency must be demonstrated through a case presentation and a 50-item comprehensive multiple-choice exam. After participants complete the Applied Track, they are issued a certificate of completion and verification of the 21 CEs. No partial credits are awarded for the Applied Track since it is a competency-based program.

Up to 18 CE credit Content-Only Track

Designed for individuals who want to acquire the knowledge and principles of XBA and X-BASS, but who are not currently involved in conducting evaluations (e.g., university trainers, supervisors, retirees, graduate students). The Content-Only Track includes Phase I only. Participants in the Content-Only Track receive a CE certificate for each of the nine instructional units after attaining an 80% or higher review quiz score and completing the unit evaluation. Content-Only participants can earn anywhere from 1-18 CEs based on their completion of each unit.

Participants in either track can access the instructional units at any time, which allows them to progress through the program at their own pace. Participants in the Applied Track have one year from the date of purchase to complete the program. Participants in the Content-Only Track have six months from the date of purchase to complete the program.

After participants complete the Applied Track they are issued a certificate of completion and verification of the 21 CEs. No partial credits are awarded for the Applied Track since it is a competency-based program. Participants in the Content-Only Track receive a CE certificate for each unit after attaining an 80% or higher review quiz score and completing the unit evaluation. Content-Only participants can earn anywhere from 1-18 CEs based on their completion of each unit.

Program Overview

The purpose of the XBA approach is to organize assessments that are tailored to referral concerns and therefore more diagnostically relevant than a “standard” battery of tests. This type of assessment often requires using tests from more than one cognitive or achievement battery. XBA provides a set of principles and procedures that guide the practice of crossing batteries. The result is a psychometrically and theoretically defensible assessment that is more responsive to the referral. The XBA approach allows practitioners to measure validly a wider or more selective and in-depth range of cognitive abilities, processes, and academic skills than any single battery can measure. XBA was introduced in the late 1990s and is based mainly on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory. Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment - Third Edition provides an overview of XBA. In 2015, the authors introduced the Cross-Battery Assessment Software System (X-BASS). X-BASS supports cross-battery assessment with 150+ batteries and 1,250+ subtests, and facilitates test interpretation through multiple types of data analyses.

In March 2017, Version 2.0 of X-BASS was released. Since then, several free updates have been made available. X-BASS v2.4 is the most current version and is available as a free update for owners of any v2.X through the Wiley.com account that was created at purchase. Individuals who do not have X-BASS may purchase the direct download of v2.0 at Wiley.com. After purchase, the downloaded version will be the latest release, which is v2.4 at this time.

Upon completion of this program, participants will:

• Understand the theory and research underlying XBA
• Make research-based decisions to guide test selection and organization
• Use theory and research to guide interpretation of test performance
• Use cognitive, neuropsychological, speech/language, and academic-skills tests in a XBA approach
• Use X-BASS efficiently
• Use X-BASS to analyze and interpret an individual's pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW), particularly within the context of referrals for specific learning disabilities
• Examine the validity of test scores for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds via the use of the Culture-Language Interpretative Matrix (C-LIM)
• Link XBA results to meaningful, evidence-based educational strategies and interventions via the Intervention Library: Finding Interventions and Resources for Students and Teachers (IL:FIRST)

Who Can Participate

Program Overview

The XBA Certificate Program is designed for individuals who have at least one graduate level course in psychoeducational assessment. To complete the Applied Track, participants must work in a setting where they conduct evaluations. Most participants hold a graduate degree from a program that included coursework in psychoeducational assessment. Participants include:

• Certified or licensed school psychologists
• Licensed psychologists
• Educational assessment specialists (e.g., educational diagnosticians, learning disability specialists and teacher consultants, psychometricians, etc.)
• Certified special education teachers
• Speech and language pathologists and other assessment specialists
• Graduate students who have completed a course on assessment with training in the use of individually administered, standardized tests.

Technology needed for Course Participation

• Personal computer and internet speed that will enable smooth reception and transmission of both audio and video feeds.
• The X-BASS software runs on the desktop version of Microsoft Excel. Many participants in the XBA Certificate program are affiliated with schools and organizations that provide free access to the entire Microsoft Office suite of applications, including the web apps and desktop versions. Microsoft also offers significant educator discounts for individual access to MS Office. Other sources of software at discounts for education may be found at academicsuperstore.com.
• Webinars and online meetings will be through GoToWebinar and GoToMeeting. Their support portal can be referenced for training, hardware and software requirements, and informational topics: https://support.goto.com.
• Microphone and speakers that provide clear and consistent communication.

Required Software and Recommended Books

This program requires purchase of the supporting software for XBA, including X-BASS v2.X and IL:FIRST v1.X.

The following books are recommended for purchase, but they are not required. Participants interested in having ready references for XBA may choose to purchase one or more of these books to add to their professional library.

Cost of XBA Training Program

Training Program Costs

The program fee includes all costs of the program except for the purchase of X-BASS and IL:FIRST.

Payment in full must be made prior to the start of the program. Checks, credit cards, and purchase orders are accepted.

Register Now

Program Policies

Responsibility for CE Module Content:

The School Neuropsychology Institute is not responsible for the content within the CE Units unless otherwise noted. The Unit presenters are responsible for the accuracy of their content. The materials provided as part of the CE Units are protected by copyright and approval must be obtained from the School Neuropsychology Institute and the presenter before copying, distributing, or disseminating any of the content. The CE Units are intended for the express educational use of the participant.

Limited Participant Access to Instructional Materials

For the Applied Track, participants will have up to 12 months from the payment date to complete all requirements. Access to the instructional content will be granted until the participant’s completion date, up to 12 months if needed. If a participant does not complete all requirements of the Applied Track program within 12 months, they will have the option to pay a continuation fee of $225.00 to continue.

For the Content-Only Track, participants will have up to 6 months from the payment date to complete all requirements for each Unit. Access to the instructional content will be granted until the participant’s completion date, up to 12 months if needed. There is no continuation fee option available for the Content-Only Track.