For idealized item configurations, equal item weights are often virtually as good for a particular predictive purpose as the item weights that are theoretically optimal. What has not been clear, however, is what happens to the similarity when the item configuration's variance structure is complex. (Author/CTM)

Because there is no commonly accepted view of what makes for good writing, automated essay scoring (AES) ideally should be able to accommodate different theoretical positions, certainly at the level of state standards but also perhaps among teachers at the classroom level. This paper presents a practical approach and an interactive computer…

The objective of this study was to show that standardized reading scores could be adequately estimated from scores on a criterion-referenced test in reading. This would reduce classroom test time, while, at the same time, provide the kinds of information teachers need to guide instruction, and the kinds of information administrators require for…