Problems in selection of optimal designs in item-response theory (IRT) models are resolved through a sequential design procedure that is a modification of the D-optimality procedure proposed by Wynn (1970). This algorithm leads to consistent estimates, and the errors in selecting the abilities generally do not greatly affect optimality. (SLD)

Simplicity and efficiency in design and estimation are all important in deciding on sampling strategies. A simple model is given and illustrated for four practical situations to show how a good sampling strategy should be selected. (Author)

Model-based methods for estimating the population mean in stratified clustered sampling are described. The importance of adjusting the weights is assessed by an approach considering the sampling variation of the adjusted weights and its (variance) components. The resulting estimators are more efficient than the jackknife estimators for a variety…

The third section of this two-volume report examines the utility of the model developed in section I for application in a classroom testing situation. The model was applied in arithmetic classes through a weekly testing program. The teacher specified the generic task being taught, tests were constructed using a table of random numbers to select…

The 11 papers in this volume were presented at the 1996 American Statistical Association (ASA) meeting in Chicago (Illinois), August 4 through 8. This is the fourth collection of ASA papers of particular interest to users of National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) survey data published in the "Working Papers" series. The…