Argues that if a testing situation is not similar to situations in which a child regularly performs linguistically, the test's ecological validity is compromised and its results must be viewed skeptically. (FL)

Points out that significant progress in performance assessment is gained by adopting an interdisciplinary approach for Data Envelopment Analysis. Describes a number of case studies as well as the limitations of the technique and the caution required in interpretation. (Author/BSR)

Performance assessment is a type of educational assessment in which judgments are made about student knowledge and skills based on observation of student behavior or inspection of student products. In dealing with the issue of fairness in performance assessment, educators are confronted with some dilemmas. Assuring equality in performance…

Performance differences between two trials of two tasks indicated that students who learned during the second trial that they were being evaluated (high evaluation condition) demonstrated greater debilitation on anagrams and greater improvement on the visual motor task than low evaluation condition subjects. Evaluation condition influenced girls'…

Discussion of testing methods that adequately measure the ability to perform manipulative tasks focuses on criterion-referenced performance tests (CRPT) to evaluate trainees. Topics discussed include predictive validity; physical fidelity; test construction; testing constraints; performance conditions; criteria for attainment standards; scoring…

This study investigated the effects of high and low need achievement, individual vs. group test adminstration, and potential dropout and nonpotential dropout on the Manual Dexterity Aptitude of the General Aptitude Test Battery. Following the administration of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), 120 high school males were assigned to one of…

This manual discusses general training procedures and describes the workshop method for the functional independence scales of the Balthazar Scales of Adaptive Behavior (BSAB). General training procedures include guidelines for self-instruction for the professional or assistant, instructor and special equipment required. The suggested workshop…

Positive approaches to increase student achievement in language classes focus on the potential influence of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests. The author cites instances to prove that teacher efficiency increases when teachers are held responsible for student achievement. Discussion of success factors relates testing practices…