This first test and technical manual explains the development, purpose, use, validity, and reliability of the criterion-referenced final examination for the Chemistry of Hazardous Materials course of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg (Maryland). Because of possible diversity in the testing knowledge and background of readers, the manual…

From 1970 to 1985, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) underwent major modifications caused by: (1) the addition of the Test of Standard Written English (TSWE) to the College Board's Admissions Testing Program (ATP); (2) the passage of test disclosure legislation; (3) the institution of test sensitivity reviews; and (4) the use of item response…

Because of concerns about the validity of tests used in education and employment, a consultation on June 16, 1989, focused on tests of ability, achievement, and other skills. Invited experts were asked to address a set of issues common to both education and employment testing, primarily related to test construction procedures and how to establish…

A review of the recent literature has yielded a number of concerns about the validity, reliability, cost, efficiency, generalizability, utility, and cultural sensitivity of performance based assessments. The resulting conclusion was that continuing the performance based assessment initiative should be rethought. Suggested alternatives included…

The results of an evaluation of Vermont's statewide assessment initiative are presented, with information about the implementation of the program, its effects on educational practice, the analytic challenge presented by the portfolio scoring process, the reliability and validity of portfolio scores, and the tensions between assessment and…

Testing and assessment that are "more authentic" (performance-based or alternative) represent the most pressing issue in education today. Some of the major criticisms leveled at standardized testing are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of more authentic assessment are reviewed. A general direction for integrating traditional and…

In problem-based learning, an instrument is needed to measure students' actual learning activities. Mapping the domain of learning activities undertaken by students and improving problems is especially important in a problem-based curriculum because students choose their own learning objectives. Such an instrument, the Topic Evaluation…

The report presents a summary of selected quantitative measures for August 1987 through July 1988 of students who applied for University of Florida graduate school admission, those who were accepted by academic departments, and those who subsequently enrolled. A brief introduction and listing of procedural assumptions precede the two figures and…

The design and evaluation of a rating scale for program evaluation in problem-based medical curricula are described. The design process was guided by a theory of how students learn in problem-based learning as modeled by W. H. Gijselaers and H. G. Schmidt (1988). The rating scale was used in an evaluation of a new problem-based, community-oriented…

This guide is designed to serve as a reference to assist providers of Job Training Partnership Act-funded programs in selecting appropriate interest, aptitude, and pre-employment and job readiness tests. Descriptions of 53 interest tests, 38 aptitude tests, and 37 pre-employment and job readiness tests are provided. Each description contains…

This manual is intended to provide students, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel with a set of practical instruments and procedures designed to measure the generalizable mathematics skills of students in secondary vocational programs. Three types of assessment instruments and procedures are presented and discussed: (1) student…

The validity of teacher locus of control (TLOC) as measured by an instrument adapted for this purpose was studied. The construct refers to the individual's perception that changes in his or her environment result from internal or external factors. An adaptation of a scale developed by R. C. Taylor et al. (1981) was used to measure TLOC. The first…

A 32-item Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE) was developed to measure perceptions of capability regarding specific computer-related knowledge and skills. Bandura's theory of self-efficacy (1986) and Schunk's model of classroom learning (1985) guided the development of the CSE. Each of the skill-related items is preceded by the phrase "I feel…

This report presents an analysis of a student evaluation survey, the Uniform Student Evaluation Survey (USES), used to provide a systematic, campus-wide basis for meaningful feedback on the instructional effectiveness of college teaching at Christopher Newport College (Virginia). This study addressed three issues as to the reliability, validity,…

The Statewide Assessment Program, administered by the Alaska Department of Education, tests all fourth and eighth graders in math and reading biennially. In 1985, the Department's Office of Evaluation, Assessment and Research undertook an evaluation of the assessment program to identify procedures which needed improvement and to determine the…