This paper summarizes main findings from a two-step investigation of the translation of a psychological scale from English into Spanish. The overall purpose of the study was to document the effects of tailoring a scale with etic items (i.e., culturally general items) and emic items (i.e., culture specific items) on the quality of the information.…

A method for measuring the contribution an individual makes to group work is described, and its use is supported through a study of 57 university students aged from 20 to 46 years working in 8 groups of 4 to 10 members each. The method recognizes that the most valid sources of information on the contribution of each individual to the group work…

Olae is a computer system for assessing student knowledge of physics, and Newtonian mechanics in particular, using performance data collected while students solve complex problems. Although originally designed as a stand-alone system, it has also been used as part of the Andes intelligent tutoring system. Like many other performance assessment…

This review covers the test components of validity, reliability, job-relatedness, and test bias in relation to teacher licensing examinations and the legal decisions that have affected policy in this area. The literature provides a history of court decisions and legal rulings that have shaped policy, test design, and test use. The important…

Content integration in performance assessment involves mixing different areas of knowledge in one assessment. In this type of testing situation, assessment tasks are designed to measure the ability of students to solve problems by applying their knowledge and skills in multiple content areas. This study examined the effect of integrated science…

This reference guide contains clear and concise explanations of concepts related to educational testing and standards. The book may be read straight through as a primer on educational assessment or may be used as a reference for particular topics. The sections are: (1) Accountability (Consumers, Taxpayers, and Citizens); (2) Authenticity in…

Noting the lack of self-concept research in nonwestern cultures and the need to determine if a western measure of self-image is embedded in the same network of constructs in another culture, this study examined the appropriateness of using the Self Image Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (SIQYA) with Nigerian students. Participating in the study…

This study explored the possibility of using the Multi-Trait Multi-Method (MTMM) approach of D. Campbell and D. Fiske (1959) to examine the educational ecology of classrooms. Using the MTMM approach, the study focuses on the extent to which multiple methods of inquiry (surveys, drawings, and videos) are valid indicators of classroom teaching and…

This paper presents the outcomes of a study that investigated the psychometric properties of the School Independence Measure (SIM), an assessment designed to evaluate functional performance in a school setting and to monitor changes in function over time. The SIM operationally defines and criterion references tasks essential to a child's…

This book is intended to introduce the classroom teacher and prospective teacher to the elements of measurement and assessment that are essential to good teaching. The main theme is that assessment plays an important role in the instructional process. This edition has been revised to reflect major changes in educational assessment since the last…

Author discusses and defines criterion tests in the context of classroom needs that have created much of the interest in the theory at this time. The primary source of interest is related to the growing implementation of individualized curricula. (Author/CB)

A form, which permits students to evaluate effectiveness of instruction in college lifetime sports courses, was developed and evaluated at Kansas State University. The form provides feedback to help teachers improve instructional methods and outcomes. Seven tables display study data. (Author/PP)

Research on teacher evaluation and teacher effectiveness indicates that there are serious problems with the reliability of presage, process, and product findings. Quality in teaching can best be assessed by measuring process in the classroom and by using observation instruments which record the occurrence of specific, well-defined behaviors. (PP)