Objective   To develop an acceptable rating scale of basic mathematical abilities for Chinese primary students and test its reliability and validity.

  Methods   The basic mathematical competencies of the primary students were assessed with ChineseRating Scale of Basic Mathematical Competencies in the Elementary School Level.7377 and 7316 students were selected randomly in urban and rural schools respectively by the multi-phas-estrat ified-cluster sampling method accordingto the fifth national population census in 2000.

  Results   The reliability indexes such as Chronbach'sAcoefficient(A > 0.7), spli-thalf reliability coefficient(r=0.83)and the reliability coefficient of total revision(R=0.90), tes-tretest reliability coefficients of the subtests were above 0.7 except the subtests such as number transcription and diamonds count, and the satisfactory validity indexes were obtained including construct validity, content validity, criteriavalidity and discriminant validity.

  Conclusion   The rating scale could be used to assess basic mathematical competencies in the elementary school level in China because basic mathematical competencies were assessed from various aspects, and its reliability and validity index es met the demand of measure, which adapted to Chineseeducational state.