Two studies are reported that examined translation from second language to first language as a testing procedure. Results suggest that the widespread rejection of translation as a language testing procedure by teachers and testers is probably not warranted on psychometric grounds, but that it should be used with extreme care. (10 references)…

The Stanford-Binet IV is compared to the original version and criticized for having less power to measure the high end of intelligence and for having norms that discriminate against gifted students. Strengths of the Stanford-Binet L-M are pointed out, and use of both scales for different purposes is recommended. (JDD)

The Miller Assessment for Preschoolers, intended for children ages 2-5, is designed as both a screening and a diagnostic assessment, measuring neuromaturational variables, coordination, language, memory, problem solving, and visual perception. This review examines test administration, summation of data, standardization, reliability, and validity,…

One-third to one-half of all candidates for dental licensure in 35 states fail part of their initial examination, but most pass the second with little or no attempt at knowledge or clinical skills improvement. These data highlight discussion of issues in dental licensure, including the validity of clinical skills testing. (MSE)

Explains why it is so difficult to define communicative testing, discusses problems related to communicative testing, and concludes with suggestions for further research. (15 references) (CFM)

Examines the concurrent validity of four metalinguistic awareness tests (Written Language Awareness Test, Test of Early Reading Ability, Linguistic Awareness in Reading Readiness Test, and the Concepts about Print Test). Finds rather low concurrent validity coefficients which suggests that further work is needed to clarify the operations required…

A culture-specific approach to identifying artistic talent in African-American students is presented, called Tactuality. Tactuality identifies four characteristics: emotional intensity, flexibility and open-endedness, holistic perception, and tactile sensitivity. A pilot test with 63 fourth graders resulted in statistical problems with validation.…

Comparison of special education teacher (n=18) and computer-scored curriculum-based measurements (CBM) of spelling found that computer scoring accuracy was significantly higher and more stable. Additionally, high correlations were found between the CBM spelling scores and a standardized test of spelling achievement. (DB)

In light of the growing need for individuals to be assessed or assess themselves on workplace learning, the different notions of reliability and validity in classical test theory are examined as they might apply to work-based learning. It is concluded that, under certain stated conditions, test reliability, validity, and comparability can be…

Describes holistic scoring as one of the biggest breakthroughs in writing assessment. Suggests that the technique's high interrater reliability coefficients partly explain holistic scoring's popularity. Argues that validity has been largely neglected. Concludes that more must be learned about the uses and effects of holistic scoring. (SG)

A table is provided for determining the frequency of occurrence of Verbal-Performance discrepancies on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) in profiles of high Intelligence Quotient children. Warnings are offered regarding the adverse effect of subtest substitution or omission when administering the WISC-R to highly…

Describes what a computer-adaptive test (CAT) is, examines its roots, and points out some of the challenges this approach to assessment presents. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the types of language tests that language teachers can use in their classrooms for their specific purposes. Language assessments are classified into three categories: selected-response assessments; constructed-response assessments; and personal-response assessments. A definition is provided for each assessment type, and advantages and…

This study reports on the development and assessment of the psychometric properties of three measures to assess sexual knowledge, experience, feelings, and needs. Results demonstrate the good psychometric properties of the scales and their suitability for assessing these areas in people with disabilities. (Author/CR)

Investigates the general factor and uniqueness characteristics of the individual tests of the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Ability-Revised (WJTCA-R). Only 2 of the 19 WJTCA-R tests examined had low general factor loadings, while 2 had low uniqueness. All other tests had medium or high uniqueness. Discusses implications for clinical…