One potential source of variation in assessment center ratings may be the way the assessor organizes and processes information. To examine how assessment center methods affect the way assessors organize and process assessment center information and the ratings they make, independent groups of assessors (N=24) used one of two models for integrating…

Assessment center ratings of 52 state law enforcement agency managers predicted both contaminated promotions criterion and 2 uncontaminated ratings criteria. Gathered criteria data 2, 4, and 7 years after assessment center, and modest upward trend in validity coefficients was observed. Subordinates' ratings outperformed assessment center on…

Through Project EXCEL (Excellence in Community Elected and Appointed Leadership), 63 participants (Ohio county commissioners) completed simulation exercises in 7 assessment centers. Participants received personalized feedback on 15 behavioral dimensions. (SK)

High risk of liability makes assessment centers a viable method for selection of police officers. Despite high costs, centers offer the advantages of observation of actual job-related behavior, support in the legal arena, and validity. Video technology and other options have potential for reducing the expense. (SK)

The author states that the most accurate, realistic, and credible method of assessing individual abilities is expensive and difficult. This method, which he describes, uses assessment centers to measure individuals' competence by having them attempt job tasks under controlled conditions. Implications for trainers are included. (Author/CH)

Investigated the developmental effects of assessorship, i.e., serving as a trained member of an assessment center staff, on managers' (N=80) proficiency in three categories of behavior: acquiring, evaluating, and communicating information about people. Results indicated that experienced assessors were more proficient in these skills. (LLL)

This guide is aimed at anyone in work-based training who is responsible for learners during their first few weeks. Readers will (1) understand the value and purpose of initial assessment in key skills and Skills for Life; (2) become familiar with a range of techniques for the initial assessment; (3) plan an initial assessment system that is…

The authors investigated trends over a 13-year period in the predictive validity of assessment center data for objective career advancement for a sample of 456 academic graduates. Using year of entry and tenure as controls, findings from research into managerial effectiveness and development were confirmed with respect to the importance of…

This study used trait activation theory as a theoretical framework to conduct a large-scale test of the interactionist explanation of the convergent and discriminant validity findings obtained in assessment centers. Trait activation theory specifies the conditions in which cross-situationally consistent and inconsistent candidate performances are…

Since 1975, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has attempted to improve the selection process for all levels of principals through the establishment of regional assessment centers. Presently, 37 centers operated by districts, consortia, universities, and state departments of education are producing data being used by…

Inspired by the publication of "Leaders for America's Schools" (1987), a guide for improving administrator preparation, this paper identifies program components to be reformed, examines general problems associated with each component, and encourages thinking about solutions to some of these problems. Assessment centers to test administrator skills…

Effectiveness of assessment centers for personal selection in banking was tested with 135 applicants. Results do not support literature findings of the construct and criterion validity of centers. An exercise effect was apparent: judgments made by assessors were interpretable in terms of the exercises used rather than dimensions related to the…

Existing teacher evaluation procedures are flawed because they are too "global" and fail to recognize differences attributable to content and learner ability. Lee S. Shulman hopes to change this situation through the Teacher Assessment Project, a Carnegie Corporation-sponsored program developing alternative assessment exercises. (MLH)

Examines criteria and procedures for selecting new (Ohio) elementary school principals during 1992-93. A survey of 50 superintendents indicates that selection criteria comprised academic criteria, personal characteristics, and professional competencies. Respondents rated attitude toward others and strong human relations skills as most important…

To help beginning principals create unique professional development plans, Texas A & M University Principals' Center has developed the Management Profile built around a videotaped interview of open-ended questions. Trained assessors review the video, compare responses with a standards matrix, and encourage principals to choose a mentor/coach…