Kane (this issue) presents a comprehensive review of validity theory and reminds us that the focus of validation is on test score interpretations and use. In reacting to his article, I support the argument-based approach to validity and all of the major points regarding validation made by Dr. Kane. In addition, I call for a simpler, three-step…

In an attempt to restore the symmetry and balance between the study of person and item variation, this paper presents a novel methodology construct specification equations, which allows one to ascertain from the lawful behavior of items what an instrument is measuring. (Author/PN)

Instrument, measuring 7th grade student knowledge of the world of work, was developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for consideration as part of the state assessment project. (Authors/MB)

Four considerations that enhance the instructional importance of tests are content match, use of feedback, a flagging function, and the increasing tendency to attach sanctions and rewards to standardized test results. These sanctions are apt to force greater attention to the other three characteristics, strengthening the links between instruction…

Results of the investigation suggest that the facet-factorial approach can be an effective technique for the construction of rating scales to measure complex behavior such as music performance. (Author)

Two techniques for measuring relative changes in educational attainment over time are described. One standardizes measurements at each time or occasion and then studies changes in standardized group differences. The other is based on the use of longitudinal data using conditional models to make inferences about changes between groups. (Author/PN)