This blog post comes from the Intelligence Testing blog an incredible resource on issues relating to testing, learning disabilities, current research on testing which also injects some very funny cartoons. A new instrument called the School Motivation and Learning Strategies Inventory (SMALSI) was introduced at the National Association of School Psychologists’ (NASP) convention. This instrument has the potential to "to tap some important non-cognitive aspects of a child’s academic aptitude," according to Dr. Kevin McGrew, the author of the Intelligence Testing blog. If the SMALSI is validated and widely accepted, it could reveal important data for designing more effective IEPs. As with most innovative concepts, parents will likely have to inquire and advocate for the application of this instrument, if applicable.