Argues in favor of the slow-school concept, an approach to education in the 21st century that emphasizes instruction and curriculum addressing the intellectual needs of students rather than focuses on curriculum and teaching driven by state and national standards-based testing. (Contains 29 references.) (PKP)

To examine the potential of classroom teachers as primary screening agents for learning difficulties, 197 kindergarten children were assessed on 6 measures. Best predictors of grade 1 achievement were the Metropolitan Readiness Tests and the Myklebust Pupil Rating Scale, both of which can be administered by teachers. Contains 22 references. (SV)

This book summarizes the evaluation by the Committee on the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) of the National Research Council of the U.S. Employment Service's use of the GATB. The book serves professional users, policymakers, and students of psychometrics because of its clear and concise review of important issues. (SLD)

Statewide achievement testing programs in public schools are examined from a historical perspective over 150 years. Written tests, standardized tests, intelligence tests, and test batteries are considered. A survey of present programs demonstrates a wide variety that is attributable to the ad hoc origins of these programs. (SLD)

Using evidence of student learning to evaluate teacher effectiveness is discussed. Since standardized achievement tests cannot and will not do the job, alternatives are explored. Evaluators should focus not on test results derived from centralized standardized testing programs, but on results derived from teachers' classroom assessments of student…

Best-evidence synthesis was used to review 29 research papers published in English that evaluate the effects of ability grouping on student achievement in secondary schools. Six randomized experiments, 9 matched experiments, and 14 correlational studies were reviewed. Findings do not indicate beneficial effects of ability grouping on achievement.…

Examines the need to redefine school readiness and to implement strategies that will ensure that children are "ready to succeed" when they enter school. (PCB)

Surveyed personnel managers (N=127) to learn more about the prevalence of employee drug use and employer substance abuse programs. Results indicated companies' responses to the drug problem included drug use policies, drug education, employee assistance programs, and drug testing. Recommendations based on findings are discussed. (Author/TE)

Discusses factors that should be considered when designing multiple-choice diagnostic tests for use with microcomputer systems. Item content and characteristics are described, presentation of feedback and results are examined, database management functions are discussed, and benefits for students with learning problems and physically disabled…

Reviews traditional functions of interaction in computer-based instruction (CBI); describes quantitative and qualitative perspectives on interaction strategies; discusses design-centered and learner-centered interaction; and presents methods for promoting cognitive engagement via mathemagenic and generative interaction strategies, including…

Described is a South African program in which gifted boys, aged 12-14, were combined into a single class. The program included accelerated learning; formal examinations only in English, Afrikaans, and mathematics; and development of social relationships. Questionnaires completed by 30 students, parents, and siblings identified the program's…

Formulas are provided for estimating the reliability of a linear composite of non-equivalent subtests given the reliabilities of component subtests. The reliability of the composite is compared to that of its components. An empirical example uses data from 170 children aged 4 through 8 years performing 34 Piagetian tasks. (SLD)

Data on 180 pediatrics and 302 internal medicine residency training programs concerning vacation, leave of absence, extension of training because of absence, and related policy suggest wide variation depending on postgraduate year of training, discipline, program size, and program type. Implications for accreditation, testing, and certification…

In addition to the benefits of the oral proficiency movement, problems are seen, including flaws in the claim that the testing is proficiency based, the potential misuse of competency-based education, and the Oral Proficiency Interview's inability to test nonlinguistic barriers to communication. (Author/MSE)

Five physicians were tape recorded during their initial interviews with 52 adult patients to quantify behaviors in physicians' initial interviewing style. Patients were asked to complete the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale. Silences or reaction time latencies, reciprocity, and reflective use of interruptions were significantly correlated with…