In the present study, the authors collected data that would help resolve the controversey between developmental and defect theorists of mental retardation. (Authors/RY)

Compares the efficacy of objective and holistic writing evaluation, in the context of the freshman writing program evaluation procedure at a west coast university. Indicates that holistic evaluation of writing samples is a far more accurate measure of writing quality and potential. (HTH)

Compared selected psychological indices of married couples who attended marriage enrichment programs. Results reveal that participants in the five-week group showed more improved marital adjustment than those in the weekend group. Wives demonstrated more positive changes than husbands. Overall, both marriage enrichment programs appeared to be…

Eighteen Mexican American pupils in the grades 1-3 from two urban Kansas schools were tested, using 18 pairs of sound contrasts, for auditory discrimination problems related to their language-different background. Results showed v-b, ch-sh, and s-sp contrasts were the most difficult for subjects to discriminate. (LC)

The author defines criterion-referenced (CRT) and norm-referenced (NRT) tests, considers current objections to each, and distinguishes their appropriate uses: CRTs for pupil diagnosis and instruction and NRTs for surveying achievement in a long-term evaluation context. Part of a theme issue on student assessment. (SJL)

This paper examines the evidence that Black children of West Indian origin in British schools are underachieving relative to their White counterparts and discusses factors which may underlie these research findings. It also considers educational problems of children of Jamaican origin and education of Jamaican children in Jamaica itself.…

Proposed an accountably model that addresses the challenges of allowing school districts to choose the specific strategies they use to measure student performance and evaluated this model using data from multiple sources for all school districts in Florida. Findings identify three strategies that would be useful for this type of accountability…

Examines results from this year's American College Testing (ACT) program and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). There has been little change the past year in minority student scores. While average minority student scores fell by at least .1 point from last year, all minority groups have experiences long-term gains. (DF)

Examined classroom processes taking place during reading instruction in two settings: (1) schools with a large Hispanic Limited-English-proficient student population, and (2) inner-city schools where the student population is more ethnically diverse. Results indicated that the type of reading instruction taking place in both types of schools is…

A study investigated whether internal medicine training program directors found feedback on their students' test performance helpful in understanding where their residents ranked nationally. Results suggest that directors have learned to rank their own candidates against a common standard but may have lowered the standards they used. (MSE)

Some 76 hearing children in prekindergarten classes, half receiving sign instruction and half not, were tested on English vocabulary acquisition. Children who received the sign instruction scored significantly higher on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test than children receiving sign instruction. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/LB)

A study compared freshman medical student achievement and satisfaction under two grading schemes: a four-level grading plan (honors, high pass, pass, fail) with two examinations, and pass-fail with weekly quizzes. Under the latter system, students continued to perform well and reported greater satisfaction. (MSE)

Differences between scores of Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) and non-LEP ninth grade students on the Hawaii State Test of Essential Competencies were studied. The LEP population scored significantly lower than the control group; results are discussed in terms of language training needs. (15 references) (Author/LB)

Two methods of computing test equating coefficients under item response theory by the following authors are compared: (1) B. H. Loyd and H. D. Hoover (1980); and (2) M. L. Stocking and F. M. Lord (1983). Conditions under which the method of Stocking and Lord is preferable are described. (SLD)