This study of middle-school students in California focused on the effectiveness of using innovative teaching strategies for enhancing the classroom environment, students' attitudes and conceptual development. A sample of 661 students from 22 classrooms in four inner city schools completed modified forms of the Constructivist Learning Environment…

Presented a distinction between concepts of face validity and item subtlety. Trait categories were differentially accessible to individual judges. Higher criterion validities were associated with less subtle and more face-valid items. Results support a rational approach to test construction and emphasize the use of relevant test item content.…

When William G. Perry (1968) developed his scheme of nine stages of cognitive development, most of which are experienced during the college years, he did not attempt to quantify it. Subsequently, T. D. Erwin (1983) constructed a scale that attempted to quantify the Perry scheme. His findings supported the overall conception of student development…