Policymakers have grown increasingly interested in how experimental results may generalize to a larger population. However, recently developed propensity score-based methods are limited by small sample sizes, where the experimental study is generalized to a population that is at least 20 times larger. This is particularly problematic for methods…

Student assessment nonparticipation (or opt out) has increased substantially in K-12 schools in states across the country. This increase in opt out has the potential to impact achievement and growth (or value-added) measures used for educator and institutional accountability. In this simulation study, we investigated the extent to which…

An investigation was conducted of the eligibility and classification decisions of 223 educational professionals who participated in a special education simulation exercise. Data from their decisions were characterized by much variability and inaccuracy. Fifty-one percent of the Ss declared a student with assessment data in the normal range to be…

This paper proposes a new Information-Time index as the basis for item selection in computerized classification testing (CCT) and investigates how this new item selection algorithm can help improve test efficiency for item pools with mixed item types. It also investigates how practical constraints such as item exposure rate control, test…

Increasingly, schools are being asked to be explicit about what they intend to accomplish, how they are going to accomplish their intents, and how well they have succeeded. This training unit seeks to assist school personnel in one of the essential phases of these three tasks, that of translating long-range educational goals into usable objectives…

Many state and local entities are developing and using performance assessment programs. Because these initiatives are so diverse, it is very difficult to understand what they are doing, or to compare them in any meaningful way. Multiple-choice tests are contrasted with performance assessments, and preliminary classifications are suggested to…

A computer simulation model for allocating facilities and physical space is presented as a means of optimally allocating available educational resources. The model allows the decisionmaker to change specific program allocations, system parameters, and other controllable variables in order to determine the effects, both cost and utility, of these…

This handbook is designed to introduce adults in Girl Scouting to the rewards, pleasures, and challenges of working with girls who have disabilities. Included in the book are definitions of various disabling conditions, ways in which activities can be adapted, and behavioral expectations. Also included are activities for simulation of the…