A structural equation model for attitude-behavior relationships is presented which conceptualizes attitude scales as congeneric measurements. The model represents a re-parameterization of an earlier one. (Author/RC)

To test differential effects of treating cognitive and emotionality response components of test anxiety, test-anxious college students (N=48) were assigned to one of four groups: an attentional treatment; a relaxation treatment; a combined attentional-relaxation treatment; and a waiting-list control group. Significant performance changes were not…

Richard Rothstein's booklet "What Do We Know About Declining (Or Rising) Student Achievement?" claims that anecdotes about past educational practices are unreliable and difficult to relate to today's schools. Curricula and tests change; so do student populations. There are no solid historical measures, including three well-known…

Examined the number and type of scoring errors made on Holland's Self-Directed Search-R (SDS-R). Participants were high school juniors and seniors (N=91). Results indicate that although some errors were made, the SDS-R was perceived as a useful career assessment tool. Implications are discussed. (Author/RJM)

Psychometric measures such as ability tests and personality and interest inventories have the potential to be misused with ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities. Applying them fairly, giving testees opportunities for preparation and practice, and interpreting scores in the context of feedback are recommended. (SK)

Evaluates a set of videotaped explanation- and procedure-based assessment activities that challenge high school students to apply scientific concepts to solving problems. Students frequently relied on description when asked for explanation and used revision to confirm their original prediction. The solution may be to relate instruction to context…

Discusses how the cult of examinations continues to affect both teachers and students in China, and concludes that any serious reform of Chinese education depends on thoroughly rethinking the role of examinations in learning. (SR)

Reviews problems with Praxis teacher tests in Georgia and the effects of cut-scores on minority and low-income candidates. Examines issues of test bias and makes recommendations for establishing an unbiased screening system for potential teachers. (Contains 35 references.) (SK)

A study of 1,848 Chinese children from birth through 6 years of age found that the ability of Chinese children in counting, counting backward, repeating digits, repeating reversed digits, and comparable activities was stronger than was indicated by the Stanford-Binet Scale and other data. (CB)

Posits that historical details can lend credibility, spark interest, and establish context for elementary history instruction. Argues, however, that teachers must distinguish between factual details and major historical developments. Suggests textbooks, mastery learning pressures, and test construction practices contribute to the inappropriate use…

Blind vocational rehabilitation clients (N=100) were administered the Displacing and Turning tests of the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Tests after three practice trials. Subjects essentially scored lower than people with normal vision, with their means on both tests being at the first percentile of the norms for sighted persons. (Author/DB)

Legal and policy aspects of testing of hearing-impaired teachers are reviewed. Issues addressed include those associated with test administration, teacher education program reform, student aid, national efforts, and longitudinal research. (TJH)

The basis of test anxiety expressed by 219 university students (43 percent males) in a statistics course was explored, and a structural model was developed. The data indicated that anxiety felt for the statistics test differed from general test anxiety. The variables revealed as important by the model are discussed. (SLD)

This article discusses the validity of using conventional psychometric tests to assess the abilities of disadvantaged pupils, justifies the use of alternative assessment procedures, emphasizes the importance of changing teacher attitudes toward the disadvantaged gifted, and suggests ways to nurture and develop the talents of disadvantaged…