The need for appropriate diagnostic and measurement tools for Hispanics and other minority students is emphasized by: (1) problems experienced in properly placing students in language programs as mandated by the provisions of the 1974 "Lau versus Nichols" court decision; (2) the likelihood that Hispanic students will perform poorly in current…

This study investigated the relation between the entering characteristics of the 1,210 students who entered the 7 residential teachers' colleges in Jamaica in September 1976 and their subsequent performance in college. There were 41 predictor variables (encompassing biographical data, previous education and work experience, and general and…

The manual is designed to help teachers develop effective and efficient individual educational plans for severely handicapped children. Initial sections explain the four major parts of educational programing (short- and long-term objectives, an instructional plan, and a means of monitoring progress) and the importance of a problem-oriented system.…

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, Form 14 (ASVAB-14) is a multiple aptitude test battery designed for use for civilian, as well as military, career counseling. This manual is designed for use by school guidance counselors in administration and interpretation of results of the ASVAB-14. The 1984 revision of this instrument includes…

Data from 32 state assessments in mathematics (conducted in 1984 and earlier) are analyzed in this document. The high degree of variability across the states is stressed, with some of the points of variation in the test development, administration, and analysis process noted. Information is then presented on topics on which students are doing well…

This document consists of more than 30 previously published journal articles and reports that focus on aspects of teacher certification. Section one of this volume presents articles on the specific issues and problems underlying the current condition of teacher quality that affect decision making policy. The imminent shortage of qualified teachers…

Reviewed is the Test of Perceptual Organization, a screening device for difficulties in cognitive functioning, perceptual functioning, perceptual motor ability, and emotional adjustment, which requires that adolescents follow 10 detailed instructions on a street map. (MC)

A set of procedures for validating the Army's Skill Qualification Tests (SQT) are described. Three phases are discussed: (1) the selection of tasks, (2) the selection of specific content for hands-on performance test items, and of written self-evaluation components, and (3) the establishment of content validity of the hands-on component. The task…

This study examines the effects of different kinds of verbal instructions given by teachers on the performance of young children, investigating whether task performance is significantly affected by small changes in verbal content or in the sequence of components of an instruction. Kindergarten children (48 boys and 52 girls) were randomly assigned…

Teachers calling on students to answer questions in class regarding homework assignments and general knowledge frequently invoke the Drama Triangle (Karpman, 1968). Many of these questions automatically put the teacher in the Persecutor or Rescuer role and students in the Victim role. Retaliatory transactions by students often put the teacher in…

This report is a summary of the review of the Defense Language Institute (DLI) that was made by the General Accounting Office (GAO) at the request of a member of Congress. The objectives of the study were to identify and analyze significant internal DLI problems that diminish the overall effectiveness of the language training provided there.…

Results are summarized of research on a program instituting graded objectives and tests in French. The research project was conducted during the 1979-80 school year by the Language Teaching Council at York, England. Two experimental groups and two control groups were formed of students aged 13 and over. Pupils, parents, and teachers completed…

Biometric communication research is defined as research dealing with the information impact of a film or television show, photographic picture, painting, exhibition, display, or any literary or functional texts or verbal stimuli on human beings, both as individuals and in groups (mass audiences). Biometric communication research consists of a…

This booklet is planned to help teachers, parents, students, and community members to understand concepts and research relating to testing in public schools. Three general uses--public access, accountability, and standards--relate to testing in its broadest conception. The major purposes of tests are discussed, as are some different types of…

The three parts of a theory used in the design of a language proficiency test--linguistic components, communicative skills, and the sociolinguistic domain--are described in relation to language proficiency and testing models. In line with this discussion, a review of test formats is made with some assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of…