WFOT Thelma Cardwell Foundation Award for Education and Research

Abstract

The Handwriting Speed Test (HST) is a standardised, norm-referenced test of handwriting speed. This study examined test-retest, interrater and intrarater reliability; and validity of the HST in Year 3 and Year 6 students. Two hundred and twelve students from randomly selected schools in Sydney (Australia) completed the HST twice, at 4 week intervals. Using ICC the interrater and intrarater reliability were found to be high and the test retest reliability found to be good. Scores of students rated as fast or slow by their teachers were compared to determine preliminary support for validity. The HST is a highly stable and reliable test.