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…

Collaboration between special educators and vocational evaluators can begin with vocational assessment which consists of three major aspects: work sampling, psychometric testing, and critical observation of behaviors. Assessment results can result in improved academic programing, career exploration activities, or modified IEPs. (CL)

This article describes how the teacher work sample methodology of the Renaissance Partnership for Improving Teacher Quality was implemented within the teacher education program at a small liberal arts college. Resulting program improvements are described, as well as on-going challenges. The adapted teacher work sample prompt and scoring rubric are…

This paper describes the Work Performance Assessment (WPA) and the Work Personality Profile (WPP) and provides instructions for their use. The WPA and WPP evaluate behaviors associated with job retention and advancement among disabled workers. Together the two evaluation components form a comprehensive observational assessment designed to provide…

A work sample test can provide a high degree of content validity, and offers a practical method of screening job applicants in accordance with guidelines on employee selection procedures set forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (MW)

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…

Challenges to classical psychometric theory are examined in the context of a broader range of fundamental, derived, and intuitive measurements in psychology; the challenges include content-referenced testing, latent trait theory, and generalizability theory. A taxonomy of psychological measurement is developed, based on: (1) purposes of…

Describes a study comparing nine different methods of data collection with nine different kinds of data sought. Each was assigned a value on a scale of 0 to 5. The resulting chart indicates the method of collection having the highest probability of success for the purpose required. (Author/JEG)

This study examined the teacher work samples of 197 student teachers to determine their level of technology integration during student teaching. Findings indicated that most student teachers planned to use some kind of technology, although only 40% planned to include computers and less than 20% planned for the use of computers by students. The…

Large-sample item response data for the 10-item Paper Folding worksample 622 (N=2,749) and for five new experimental paper folding items (N=2,514) are analyzed with the logistic item response model and with full-information item factor analysis. The main results of the unidimensional analysis are that: (1) item discrimination is heterogeneous, so…

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…

Reviewed are four work sample batteries presently in use to predict vocational behavior of the mentally retarded. (CL)

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…

Describes miniature job training and evaluation situations administered to 1,034 "low aptitude" Navy recruits. Checklist criterion data describing the on-the-job performance of the sample were collected after the recruits were on their fleet assignments. The results confirmed the predictive validity of the miniature job training…