EncStat (Encouraged about Statistics) is a multimedia program being developed to identify and assist students with statistics anxiety or negative attitudes about statistics. This study explored the validity of the assessment instruments included in EncStat with respect to their diagnostic value for statistics anxiety and negative attitudes about…

With a construct-centered reliability analytical approach the reliability analysis should crystallize the multi-traits or constructs that the test specialists developed to measure from student performance and then estimate the degree of fit between the theoretical expectations of test developers and the performance exhibited by students. This…

Noting that having research evidence to recommend or refute specific policy choices is especially relevant in this era of increased demand for accountability in human services and government, this fact sheet details 10 criteria with which to evaluate the worth of research reports. The 10 criteria or considerations are: (1) consider the source; (2)…

Portfolios are one of the assessment tools used in Pacesetter® Spanish. In Phase I of this study, conducted in 1995-96, a first attempt was made to develop a standardized portfolio assessment system. As part of this system, a set of guidelines and an assessment matrix were prepared. In Phase II of our research, in consultation with participating…

Discusses three weaknesses in reporting research findings by commenting and criticizing research articles published in the eighth volume of Journal of Research in Science Teaching. (CC)

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the kinds of contribution that communication and adult education can make in the task of nation building. (Author)

In a discussion of accountability and performance contracting, the author believes that within a couple of years, performance contracting in its present form will be seen as a rather primitive, simplistic approach to the practice of accountability, but the notion of accountability will continue to be a powerful influence on the educational scene.…

Findings show that the reliability of GPA depends on three factors: the number of course grades, the average reliability of these grades, and the credit-hour weights. (Authors)

Presents definition, examples, and instructional ideas for secondary school science and mathematics teaching of concept of reliability in accuracy of measurement and dependability of performance. (JM)

Surveyed college admissions offices (N=236) to determine the current status and perceived usefulness of letters of recommendation. Results show 87% of respondents required or considered letters of recommendation. They were considered useful in revealing personal qualities, particularly of handicapped and minority applicants, which could offset…

This study was concerned with the reliability and validity of subjective judgments about five characteristics of multiple-choice test items from an introductory college-level astronomy test: (1) item difficulty, (2) language complexity, (3) content importance or relevance, (4) response set convergence, and (5) process complexity. (Author)

Discusses the roles played by student evaluations of teacher performance in the instructional design process; reviews issues related to their use; and outlines suggestions for the construction, administration, and analysis of the questionnaire data by the instructional development consultant. (Author/JJD)