Abstract:

The development of valid and reliable assessment tools to measure the acquisition

of natural signed languages is of practical as well as theoretical significance. This chapter

describes a selection of tests that are currently available or under development to assess

several signed languages (American Sign Language, British Sign Language, German

Sign Language, and Swiss German Sign Language) at the phonological, lexical,

grammatical, and discourse levels. In addition to test descriptions we discuss issues

pertaining to test development procedures, test formats, normative sample composition,

and the use of web-based technology. The importance of assessment in guiding

instruction in deaf education is emphasized throughout.