School counselors are tasked with contributing to a safe and preventative school climate serving students' academic, career, and social/emotional needs through comprehensive school counseling program implementation. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) prioritizes a positive school climate, is widely implemented in the United…

Six statistical methods for identifying possible sources of bias in standardized test items are presented. The relationship between chi-squared methods and item-response theory methods are also discussed. (Author/BW)

Argues that comparing developments in the process approach to writing and the design methods movement sheds light on the evolution and future direction of the writing paradigm. Argues that sensitivity to the variety of writing tasks and social contexts is more effective than a single amorphous model. (RS)

A proposed model for college student leadership training, based on the emergent paradigm, accommodates the diversity of both traditional and nontraditional student populations while meeting various student needs. The model builds involvement, sense of belonging, and self-esteem. It can also be applied in the planning of other programs. (MSE)

This National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) instructional module compares classical test theory and item response theory and describes their applications in test development. Related concepts, models, and methods are explored; and advantages and disadvantages of each framework are reviewed. (SLD)

This book focuses on one of the key questions in education: What determines a student's success? Based on twenty years of work on student success, Ray Padilla here presents two related models he has developed that both provide a framework for understanding success and indicate how it can be enhanced and replicated. The research and theory that…

Presents three different, complementary statistical models for predicting faculty tenure dynamics, using data from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts). The difference equation model exactly describes future behavior but requires complete specification. The Markov-chain model can predict the full life-cycle of tenure from initial age…

Eleven major models of learning styles are compared in terms of variables, appropriate populations, validity of instrumentation, and supporting research. Discussion considers: (1) Dunn and Dunn's Learning Style Inventory for grades 3 through 12 and Productivity Environmental Preference Survey for adults; (2) National Association of Secondary…

Reviewed efficacy of programs designed to improve academic competence. Outcomes of studies published from 1974-1978 were more favorable, based on box-score tabulation and an analysis of more than 12 well-controlled investigations. Evidence indicates that structured multicomponent interventions, incorporating study skills and self-control training,…

Three models of distance education that reflect different institutional needs and resources are described: a traditional system (Manchester Community Technical College, Connecticut); a flexible system designed for the current transitional nature of educational technology (Appalachian State University, North Carolina); and a technologically…

This instructional module discusses the one-, two-, and three-parameter logistic item response theory (IRT) models. Mathematical formulas are given for each model and they are compared, with figures illustrating the effects of changing parameters. A single data set is used to demonstrate the effects of changing parameter values. (SLD)

The paper presents a literature-based comparison of psychodynamic and behavioral approaches in the management of aggression in children. The section on psychodynamic approaches discusses the work of August Aichhorn, Fritz Redl, Nicholas Long, and William Glasser, in addition to discussions of life space interviewing and the importance of the…

Several methods of assessing test item bias are described, and the concept of fair use of tests is examined. A test item is biased if individuals of equal ability have different probabilities of attaining the item correct. The following seven general procedures used to examine test items for bias are summarized and discussed: (1) analysis of…

This book provides guidelines for evaluating a variety of database types, including abstracting and indexing, directory, full-text, and page-image databases available in online and/or CD-ROM formats. The book discusses the purpose and techniques of comparing and evaluating the most important characteristics of textual databases, such as their…

Bryn Mawr College is developing a data gathering workbook to aid small institutions in the analysis of financial options. Growth-rate balance and data gathering and analysis workbooks are described along with four problem areas: growth-rate imbalance, asset depletion, control indicators, and quality shifts. (MLW)