Artificially induced expectancy of essay quality and handwriting quality of essays were shown to affect reader ratings of essay tests. There was a significant effect for expectancy, none for handwriting, and an interesting but non-significant interaction effect. (JKS)

A statistical framework for investigating various regression approaches to linear composites is presented in this monograph. The consequences of variance approaches for psychometric theory are discussed. (A six-page bibliography is appended). (JKS)

Eight steps are outlined for presenting a combined science/language experience unit to primary students, in which the children observe and discuss a phenomenon and dictate a group report. Sample projects with fossils, magnets, and air pressure are described. (SJL)

Presents details of a report by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) to Presidential Science Adviser Frank Press on science and engineering manpower trends and needs. Discusses trends and implications relating to the proportion of faculty members at doctorate granting institutions who qualify as young scientists. (BT)

An achievement situation describing two children successfully and unsuccessfully performing task in competitive, cooperative, and individualistic reward structures was presented to 400 children across five grade levels. Results showed that different evaluative beliefs about the concepts of ability and reward allocation were associated with each…

Multiple regression analyses were conducted using kindergarten intellectual, academic, and social variables to predict third-grade classroom behavior and achievement. Results indicate that kindergarten social and academic competencies were optimal predictors of later achievement-related behaviors and achievement. A social competence measure of…

Teachers'"inflight" decisions were investigated by recording those cues in the classroom to which teachers responded. Through stimulated recall interviews, it was found that the cues teachers noticed and based decisions upon were global and tended to adhere closely to the traditional recitation model of teaching. (Author/JKS)

The effect of the sensory discriminability of targets from nontargets on depth of nontarget processing was examined. Depth of nontarget processing was measured by semantic overlap between targets and nontargets, reaction time, and nontarget recall. Depth of processing decreased as sensory discriminability increased, supporting multiple-loci…

A study was conducted to determine if a relationship existed between variables describing the role and role expectation of Black school superintendents and the relative importance of immediate and future school-related problems. The strongest predictors of problem importance were years in position and school district size. (Author/MH)

Vocal cues which were inconsistent with verbal messages and their effects on teacher credibility were examined. Results suggested that teacher credibility was at least partially dependent upon the degree of verbal vocal consistency in teachers' messages. (Author/MH)

Analysis of variance was used in a study of 47 Irish high schools to discover--with respect to four standardized achievement tests and l3 public examinations--the percentage of variance lying between schools, between classes, and within classes. (Implications for research on school effectiveness are discussed). (CTM)

A constant partial elasticity of substitution production function for academic achievement is presented and estimated with nonlinear maximum likelihood methods. We find that ability and time devoted to various aspects of the learning process are the most important determinants of students' accomplishments. (Author/CTM)

The effects of self-instructional use of programed creativity materials for gifted and regular students were investigated. Pre- and post-tests of creative thinking were administered. Students in the creativity training group attained significantly greater gains on verbal fluency. Creative thinking abilities were improved for both gifted and…

Biracial learning teams and cross-racial friendships were studied in desegregated junior high schools. Biracial teams received recognition based on the sum of members' scores. Control students studied alone and received individual scores. Experimental students increased more than control students in the number and percentage of cross-racial…

As achievement in basic reading declines, the content validity of tests in special subjects may be reduced because examinees cannot read the test items. This study found that reading ability and item format affected test scores in the area of health science for a sample of high school students. (Author/JKS)