Fluency is an important aspect of mathematics learning and plays a major role in developing proficiency as students are required to use skills and apply knowledge. This paper draws upon findings from a large project that aimed to explore primary students' mathematical fluency. Data from 160 primary students (K-6) from a NSW Departmental school…

In this paper we report on a study examining how teacher perspectives on mathematics content and pedagogy changed after the teachers' schools participated for one year in the Mathematics Coaching Program. Teacher narrative responses to questions about student work samples provided qualitative data for analysis. Questions asked for teacher input on…

Fair, valid, and reliable measurement of dependent variables is a concern in personnel evaluation studies. Performance tests, that is, job or work sample tests, situational tests, and job learning or trainability tests, are being used with increasing frequency as measurement techniques capable of meeting these needs. The three categories of…

To measure workplace skills more realistically for certification purposes, two computer-delivered performance examinations, termed "Live Application" exams, were developed to test job-related competencies in a specific software product, Lotus Notes. As in the real world, success on examination tasks was determined by the examinee's final…

The paper describes a vocational program combining assessment and training of handicapped students through a centralized vocational assessment center, parent/student counseling, community survey of occupational opportunities, and curriculum modification and development. Three levels of assessment are conducted (prevocational skills, interests and…

Types of assessment, five assessment techniques, and issues related to assessing experiential learning in career education are discussed. The following six points should be considered before an assessment program begins: (1) assumptions; (2) goals; (3) outcomes; (4) learning environment; (5) role of assessors; and (6) focus. Two basic types of…

A model public school vocational evaluation center for handicapped students is described. The model's battery of work samples and tests of vocational aptitudes, personal and social adjustment, physical capacities, and work habits are listed. In addition, observation of such work behaviors as remembering instructions, correcting errors, reacting to…

This paper presents findings of surveys completed by student teachers on their ability to prepare a teacher work sample, discussing potential program improvements arising from survey responses related to planning, assessment, and student learning, which are components of a teacher work sample, also sharing student teachers' perceptions of their…

To determine if initial keyboard training resulted in more effective use of capital investment, two groups were tested: one received keyboard training using a manual typewriter, the other trained in word processing on a computer. Keyboarding was tested before and after and student attitudes were surveyed. Concluded that keyboard training is cost…

Although the use of personality traits as criteria for performance appraisal is still dominant, behavior-oriented measures of job performance have become more and more popular. One such test used, Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS), seems to have two shortcomings. The individual scales are multidimensional, making it difficult for a rater…

The purpose of the study was to investigate the construct validity of the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS) work samples. The specific objectives were: (1) to investigate the factor structure of the JEVS work samples; (2) to determine which work samples were good measures of general ability; and (3) to identify the work samples that…

Comparisons were made of three different procedures for rating job performance and the validity of each procedure was estimated. All three procedures were based on observation of videotaped presentations of 12 electrical measurement problems, 8 of which had errors associated with them. The three procedures involved the use of three different…

Evidence is presented for the validity and reliability of a student annotation form used to collect student reflections on work samples in portfolios. The form was designed to be general enough to apply to many grades and subjects and simple enough for students at all levels to complete. The annotation forms asked students to indicate how…

This paper provides a summary of thoughts, resources, ideas, and a review of the state-of-the-art provisions of vocational assessment services for the visually impaired. The paper is organized in seven sections. The first section provides definitions of vocational assessment and the related terms of career assessment, educational/psychological…

Although predictive validation is the primary method of justifying a particular work sample for use as an assessment device, content validation is being recognized as an alternative strategy. Confusion exists over whether content validity should refer to the representativeness of the work sample, in terms of tasks to be performed, or behavioral…