Latent partition analysis is shown to be useful in determining the conceptual homogeneity of an item population. Such item populations are useful for mastery testing. Applications of latent partition analysis in assessing content validity are suggested. (Author/JKS)

The suitability of the beta binomial test model for criterion referenced testing was investigated, first by considering whether underlying assumptions are realistic, and second, by examining the robustness of the model. Results suggest that the model may have practical value. (Author/RD)

A procedure for sampling questions from a universe for repetition of criterion performances is described. Academic and administrative benefits are also noted. Available from: Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio 43022. (Author/LBH)

Item correlations performed between student ratings of instruction in various situations clearly indicate that student ratings are consistent across time, but that this consistency is related to specific educational settings and conditions as well as instructor idiosyncracies. (RC)

Given a loss function, an asymptotic method for optimal test design for a specified target population of examinees is presented. Also, of more practical use, given an existing unidimensional test and target population, a way is presented to find the loss function for which the test is optimal. (NSF)

The governance options matrix is provided to offer a way for state and university policymakers to examine the functioning environments of specific university-owned public teaching hospitals. With it, they can consider the benefits and problems involved with different options for governance. The issues related to the environmental factors affecting…

Demands for more complete information on educational programs have emanated from national, state and local sources. Their focus is on the processes that are occurring in individual classrooms. The information that is collected to provide insight into educational programs is customarily summative in nature, answering, for example, questions…

A set of Tests of Scientific Thinking were developed for possible use as criterion measures in research on creativity. Scores on the tests describe both quality and quantity of ideas produced in formulating hypotheses, evaluating proposals, solving methodological problems, and devising methods for measuring constructs. (Author/CTM)

A matrix model for the collection, management, and utilization of data was developed at Eastern Iowa Community College District, (Davenport, Iowa) for evaluating institutional effectiveness. The model was examined in relation to various assessment instruments and the evaluation of functional areas and programs. Surveys of six different target…

This guide is designed to help college students understand educational states, portfolio assessment, competency matrices, and self-evaluation as it relates to the presentation of technical materials in the engineering sciences. Part 1 discusses definitions of education and learning, the concept of lifelong learning, and educational states…

Two different methods for collecting course-specific data on class learning and growth are discussed. The first, Item/Student Sampling, is directly dependent upon assessing class performance both prior to and following instruction. This procedure relies on multiple matrix sampling techniques. The second method, referred to as Self-Report of Course…

An induced course load matrix (ICLM) can be a valuable tool for examining the educational process at most postsecondary educational institutions, but the complexity and bulk of the ICLM computer printout is a hindrance. Experiences in using an ICLM at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are described. Examples from an ICLM printout are…

This study attempted to determine the effectiveness of cloze procedures as norm-referenced instruments by comparing the differential responses of four groups of college students of English as a second language on two identical cloze passages. The responses were scored using both exact-answer and acceptable-word methods. The results indicate that…

This study provides preliminary evidence as to the validity of measures derived from the "Tests of Scientific Thinking" (TST). The TST and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) were compared with regard to their relationships to interests, self-appraisals, and accomplishments of students during their first year of graduate work in…

This study tests several explanations for discrepant results in an earlier study (Cook et al., 1985) which presented a partial pre-calibration method for equating new editions of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to the same scale as older editions. In contrast to full pre-calibration, which seeks to equate all items from two or more editions,…