Three major pragmatic issues in computerized testing are addressed: (1) encouraging teacher use; (2) reporting of information; and (3) test construction. Reference is made to four related articles. Additional areas for research include reporting of test information; item bank standards; validity; and rules for stopping in computerized testing.…

Problems and issues in measuring functional literacy are explored through an overview of definitional dilemmas, synopsis of widely known assessments, examination of the concept of ecological validity, and discussion of the impact of concepts of validity on the interpretation of functional literacy test performance. (SK)

Standardized tests which measure a narrow span of intelligence unfairly penalize students whose strengths don't fall within that range. Three kinds of intelligence (analytical, creative, practical) are discussed. Sternberg's Triarchic Abilities Test, currently being test-piloted, assesses all three aspects of intelligence in contrast to current…

A study developed a set of student self-ratings, teacher ratings, and performance test assessment instruments designed to measure the generalizable communication skills of students in secondary vocational programs. Tests were administered to a random sample of 150 students at 3 area vocational centers, with a retest of 75 students. (Author/JOW)

This study compared the reliability and validity indexes of randomly parallel tests administered under inclusion, exclusion, and correction for guessing directions, using 54 graduate students. It also compared the criterion-referenced grading decisions based on the different scoring methods. (TJH)

The authors developed, tested, and validated a set of student self-ratings, teacher ratings, and performance assessment instruments designed to measure generalizable reasoning skills of students enrolled in secondary vocational programs. They were found to be sufficiently reliable and valid indicators of functional learning strengths and…

Formulated hypotheses about relationship between two major dimensions of defensiveness: hostility and constriction. Examined defensive and elaborative responses reported by participants in sensitivity training groups. Results showed that individuals reporting defensive responses during human relations training laboratory were experiencing some…

Comparison of language test performance of 26 learning disabled and 26 non-learning disabled Black elementary-aged children is discussed in terms of (1) relative performance of the two groups, (2) the most useful assessment measures for this population, and (3) effects of socioeconomic factors on language test performance. (Author/DB)

The paper reviews a construct validation framework for research on the selection and evaluation of residents. The application of the proposed methodology to surgery residents is described. The need to measure non-cognitive and neuropsychological factors in addition to cognitive knowledge and technical ability is emphasized. (Author/MLW)

Findings from a study involving 141 Israeli student teachers suggest that a group assessment procedure is a better alternative for predicting success in a teacher training program than individual interviews, because group assessment more effectively assesses the personality factors most related to teacher success. (IAH)

The study evaluated the predictive validity of DIAL-R, which identifies children aged 2-6 with potential learning problems or giftedness. Based on longitudinal data for 312 elementary-level children, DIAL-R scores were found to have good concurrent sensitivity and specificity but did not correspond well with subsequent special education placement.…

Reports on the current status of the Child Development Project (San Ramon, California). States that major concerns focus upon validity of measures and criterion validity. Notes that there are indications that the program is being implemented and children's attitudes are being affected. Predicts additional teacher questionnaire measures and the…

The study evaluated the psychometric properties of reliability and construct validity of the Attitude Toward Mainstreaming Scale (ATMS) in an Australian context. It was concluded that the scale is both reliable and factorially valid in an Australian context. (Author/DB)

Relationships among the two new and the existing writing tests in the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJ) and other commonly-used writing tests were investigated with a sample of 44 fifth-graders. Results supported concurrent and construct validity of the WJ tests. The multiple samples writing approach is recommended as an alternative…

A methodology for developing multiple-choice critical thinking tests is described, which attempts to overcome certain problems of validity and fairness associated with such tests. It is concluded that direct evidence on test validity should be gathered using verbal reports of students' thinking on trial items. (TJH)