Issues related to ability testing and affirmative action are discussed, including the fair use of tests in academic and occupational selection, the effects of testing upon the tested individual, and implications of the issues for the major participants. Types and functions of ability tests, both aptitude and achievement, are described. Studies of…

A project is described which developed a course outline, competencies, and learning modules for a course in classroom evaluation which will be offered as a part of the Wisconsin Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (VTAE) Spiral Curriculum designed to meet VTAE teacher certification requirements. The procedures outlined involved an advisory…

This is the final report on a three year project designed to investigate the development of problem-solving strategies in elementary school children. In this project the personality of the child as it is reflected in problem solving style is examined. The hybothesis that reflective children are more competent problem solvers than impulsive…

A student follow-up study was conducted to determine the educational and career goals of students who were enrolled at Macomb County Community College (MCCC) and the degree to which they felt their goals had been met. A random sample of 2,066 students enrolled in Spring 1973 were surveyed by questionnaire in June 1977; 983 (55.9%) responded. The…

The 1978 Wisconsin assessment program, involving students in grades 4, 8, and 12, focused upon: (1) state-developed tests referenced to state objectives for computation and everyday money and measurement skills; (2) the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills: mathematics, reading, and language; (3) comparison of results of the 1976, 1977, and 1978…

Project LEAP is the Title I program of Medford, Massachusetts, which, in 1978-79, received State validation as an exemplary program for its grades 2-6 reading component. This report describes the project's content, results, and the State evaluation which determined it exemplary. The program includes instruction in reading and language skills that…

Proximity to urban areas, a high employment rate, development of natural resources and high academic achievement are all serving to bring Laguna Pueblo to a period of rapid change on the reservation. While working to realize its potential in the areas of natural resources, commercialism and education, the Pueblo must also confront the problems of…

The Tennessee Self Concept Scale was used to study the effect of outdoor adventure activities on the self concept of university students. Related studies have found significant changes in self concept following survival training and Outward Bound experiences. The study population consisted of 99 students enrolled in 1 of 4 classes at Eastern…

This four-part report deals with minimal competency testing with a focus on test development and the federal role in competency testing. The first section presents highlights of a 1978 conference on "Achievement Testing and Basic Skills" chaired by Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Joseph Califano. The second section contains the…

Prior to attending Mount Wachusett Community College, Massachusetts, all freshmen are required to undertake a Comparative Guidance and Placement (CGP) test which yields raw scores in reading, sentences, math, and academic motivation. Based on the scores on the continuous independent variables measured by the CGP test and the dichotomous…

A classical model for achievement test development was influenced by: the educational tradition of selecting a sample of questions appropriate to a subject and counting the proportion of acceptable responses; the emphasis on obtaining a large and homogeneous sample of questions to insure reliability; and the tradition in psychological testing of…

As part of the Competency Based Teacher Certification Project in Carroll County, Georgia, large samples of elementary and secondary school teachers and students were observed during a two-year period. Four low-inference observation measures were used to record teacher behaviors and student-teacher interactions: (1) Teacher Practices Observation…

The paper provides a review of research on the interrelationship of classroom management practices, motivational factors associated with the disposition to learn, and basic skills achievement. The underlying intent of this paper is to examine evidence relating to a potential conflict between a traditional-practices approach to basic skills…

The Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program has grown tremendously since 1955 when three Indian students were given financial aid to attend college. This report provides a narrative and statistical history of the program and its activities with the state legislature, high school counselors, post secondary financial aids officers, tribal and…

A collection of 33 reading items are presented for state and local education agencies to draw upon in designing their own minimal competency tests. These items, developed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, have been reviewed in terms of their appropriateness for testing competencies required for high school graduation. The items…