The purpose of this study was to compare the reliabilities of two-, three-, four-, and five-choice tests using an incremental option paradigm. Test forms were created incrementally, a method approximating actual test construction procedures. Participants were 154 12th-grade students from the Portland (Oregon) area. A 45-item test with two options…

Phase II of a project extended data collection and analytic procedures to develop a model of expertise and skill development for en route air traffic control (ATC). New data were collected by recording the Dynamic Simulator (DYSIM) performance of five experts with a work overload problem. Expert controllers were interviewed in depth for mental…

A set of prototype measures has been developed to measure students' understanding of content areas. Although the starting point has been history, the project has explored the use of a common model for assessment in geography and science as well. These prototypes are intended to provide models for users with assessment requirements who do not have…

This technical assistance manual provides information for assessing the impact of increased employment of paraprofessionals on all special educational and personnel practices, facilitating the integration of paraprofessionals into various classroom settings and staffing patterns, and improving the performance and productivity of paraprofessionals…

This book presents information, activities, and paper models related to aviation. Most of the models and activities included use a one page, single concept format. All models and activities are designed to reinforce, clarify, or expand on a concept, easily and quickly. A list of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Center education…

This study investigated the effect of three specific hands-on teaching strategies on the attainment and alteration of preservice elementary teachers' conceptions about earth-sun-moon relationships. The subjects (n=76) were enrolled in an elementary school science methods course. The descriptive nature of this study explored: (1) the effect of two…

The dropout problem in the United States is explored; and some suggestions for reducing the dropout rate are offered for parents, teachers, and principals. Several indicators have been recognized as placing a student at risk of dropping out of school. Dimensions of alienation have also been identified, as have social factors that contribute,…

This manual is designed to facilitate the planning and implementation of an environmental scanning project in Michigan's community colleges. (Environmental scanning is a systematic process for gathering and analyzing information about the external environment and relating it to an organization's internal environment.) This facilitator's guide is…

Two typical science activities found in textbooks for elementary and middle school students were analyzed to determine the quality of the written text and the integrity of the science represented in the activity. Each activity was performed and critiqued from a number of perspectives. The framework used to compare and contrast these activities is…

Equivalence in reliability and validity across 4-point and 6-point scales was assessed by fitting different measurement models through confirmatory factor analysis of a multitrait-multimethod covariance matrix. Responses to nine Likert-type items designed to measure perceived quantitative ability, self-perceived usefulness of quantitative…

Recognizing the difficult time most youths face in finding a good job after high school graduation, the Austin (Texas) Independent School District developed strategies to improve the transition. A high level of collaborative activity was already underway in Austin between the school district and the community, but most programs had been started…

This fact sheet provides an overview of the special concerns of siblings of children with special health and developmental needs, describes one model approach addressing these concerns, and outlines considerations for respite care agencies. Special concerns of siblings include feelings of loss and isolation, an unmet need for information about the…

A study was conducted at College of Lake County (Illinois) in spring 1993 to assess the impact of instructor role-modeling among students enrolled in an Introduction to Business course. The course included a three-part Stock Market Project (SMP) accounting for 32% of students' final grade. Among a course section of control group students, the…

This manual has been prepared to orient school personnel in the development of programs for the transition of students with disabilities from school to adult life so that they can fulfill their responsibilities in planning and providing services. The laws under which such services are required are reviewed, and the services and planning are…

A model of foreign language instruction for professionals, particularly those with limited time and budget, is proposed. Principal components of the model include: (1) a detailed, diagnostic linguistic profile of the learner, including lexical, grammatical, sociolinguistic, and sociocultural characteristics; (2) an inventory of the learner's…