Provides an overview of the approach of Richard E. Snow to the concept of aptitude and multidimensional validity and summarizes the studies in this special issue. Overall, studies confirmed the multidimensional structure of science achievement scores, the validity of some key motivational constructs for predicting achievement, and other ideas…

Reviews the five criteria with which to evaluate instructional materials (content validity, transfer potential, amount of reinforcement, quality of directions and instructional language, and adaptability/flexibility). Presents content bias as the last criterion. Reviews four resources for developing reference and study skills. (MG)

Reports on the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for Computer-Based Tests and Interpretations (CBTI). Guidelines for users in the areas of test administration and interpretation are described, guidelines for developers including human factor and psychometric issues are explained, and the validity of computer interpretations is…

Review states that the book gives an examination of the null-hypothesis significance test procedure as an integral component of data analysis of quantitative research studies in the social sciences. It is designed for the nonmathematics student who will be doing empirical studies involving the testing of substantive hypotheses. (SLD)

Introduces the articles of this theme issue focusing on performance assessment methodology. Papers address: (1) merging item formats; (2) scoring models; (3) equating and linking; (4) generalizability theory; (5) standard setting methods; and (6) validity issues and methods. (SLD)

Factor analysis has been characterized as being at the heart of the score validation process. In virtually all applications of exploratory factor analysis, factors are rotated to better meet L. Thurstone's simple structure criteria. Two major rotation strategies are available: orthogonal and oblique. This paper reviews the numerous rotation…

Introduces the articles of this theme issue focusing on the involvement of key stakeholder groups in the validation of large-scale high-stakes assessments. Each makes a unique but complementary contribution to the understanding of the demands of a comprehensive validation effort. (SLD)

This commentary on articles in this special issue generally agrees with the viewpoints expressed, although it argues that in some cases the authors of these articles should have expanded on certain issues. Many comments relate to the legal defensibility of the positions taken. (SLD)

Offers a five-point checklist that educators might use to determine the content validity of materials labeled whole language. Recommends "The Whole Language Sourcebook" and the "Story Box" program as high content validity materials. (MG)

In a recent report, Lewis Solmon, Kern Paark, and David Garcia (2001) seek to identify the impact of attending charter schools on student achievement using data from Arizona. Based on a sophisticated statistical analysis, these authors report that charter school attendance increases test score gains of students. This note raises some questions…

Describes "Studying Children in Context" as a reader- friendly book that situates studying children within the process of conducting qualitative research. Notes strengths including discussion of ethics and methods of data generation and organization, and inclusion of case studies that illuminate researchers' struggles. Notes limitations…