Describes the technical methodological procedures for the construction of reliable and valid scales to measure constructs relevant to research on counseling process and outcomes. Working with a multivariate model of the counseling process, three studies are reported which rely on the use of rating scales. (KS)

This article examines a current, explicit, central theory accounting for the observed flexibility in motor performance: the generalized motor program with a multiplicative rate parameter. Reanalysis of data reported in the literature and a study of skilled typewriting show that a generalized motor program generally does not fit observed…

The Eindtoets Basisonderwijs (final primary school test) is a Dutch national achievement test taken annually by 90,000 pupils. This article overviews the Dutch educational system and describes this testing program, emphasizing test equating methods. Evaluation findings from 1980 and resulting changes in test content and evaluation reports are also…

Mainstreaming has resulted in the placement of large numbers of mildly mentally retarded students (amongst whom minorities are overrepresented) in regular classrooms, with little planned effort to meet their special needs. These students are now exposed to minimum competency testing, with its potential for reestablishing racially segregated…

Reports findings from a national survey of 1,269 representative colleges and universities, concerning institutional perceptions of the basic skills preparation of entering freshmen, the extent of students' needs for basic skills help at various types of institutions, and the ways in which institutions are responding to student needs. (AYC)

Compares the features, learning outcomes tested, reliability, viability, and cost effectiveness of essay tests with those of interpretive tests used in training programs. A case study illustrating how an essay test was converted to an interpretive test and pilot tested is included to illustrate the advantages of interpretive testing. (MBR)

Considers four major decisions to illustrate the complexity of decision making about pretesting as part of the instructional process: whether a pretest should be administered; the behaviors that should be pretested; how pretesting should be accomplished; and how teaching strategies should be adjusted to pretest results. (MBR)

To find the students who need help, college officials are starting new testing programs, sharing more information with high-school teachers and administrators, and joining with high schools to sponsor special programs for students and teachers. Programs in Ohio, New Jersey, and Florida are described. (MLW)

It was hypothesized that adolescent females experience greater sex role strain than other kibbutz members. Loevinger's ego development test was administered to 40 kibbutz members. The findings supported the hypothesis and showed that adult women are significantly more likely to focus their dissatisfaction in the area of actual role behavior. (JAZ)

The article presents an examination of the tenets of nonbiased assessment, an evaluation of tests for assessing Mexican-American students reading skills, and a discussion of research relevant to reading instruction programs for limited-English proficient students. (Author/DB)

Describes study using Self-Directed Search vocational interest inventory with 75 Canada Native high school students. Finds the inventory reliable and stable for use with Indian students. (LFL)

A study designed to determine the extent of improvement in performance as a result of a structured experiential learning situation assessed particular techniques for reinforcing learning in a personnel administration class. Confidence in knowledge scores increased from pretest to posttest for most students, but only some knowledge scores…

To facilitate meta-analysis of diverse study findings, a mixed linear model with fixed random effects is presented and illustrated with data from teacher expectancy experiments. The standardized effect size is viewed as random and the variation among effect sizes is modeled as a function of study characteristics. (Author/BS).

Alternative approaches to education can work well if they are based on common sense and sound research. Recent research findings are reported for alternative approaches to three areas: curriculum, testing and measurement, and instruction. (TE)

Describes a method for making standardized test results more useful for teachers, administrators, school board members, and parents by providing information on the test content actually mastered by the student and on the student's individual development over time, as well as providing traditional numerical and norm-referenced scores. (PGD)