A meta-analysis of studies examining the interrater reliability of the standard practice of peer assessments of quality of care was conducted through the use of several databases. The mean weighted kappa of 21 findings from 13 studies was 0.31, which suggests that the interrater reliability of peer assessment is limited. (SLD)

Results of a study of 88 Louisiana teachers support the construct validity of the System for Teaching and Learning Assessment and Review (STAR), a comprehensive classroom-based system for assessing teaching and learning but suggest that the use of teacher nominations of colleagues for designation as superior teachers is questionable. (SLD)

Describes a new measure of parent-tutoring support for elementary-age transfer students. The Parent-Tutor Assessment Scale measures parents' tutoring behaviors, their competency and motivation to tutor, and parent-child communication. An assessment of 139 elementary school students and their caregivers is provided that reveals differences between…

The cognitive structure of an algebra test was defined and validated using the linear logistic test model (LLTM) and quadratic assignment (QA). A 29-item test was administered to 235 ninth graders. Results suggest the benefits of applying both LLTM and QA to test construction and analysis. (SLD)

Describes the design and evaluation of a formal writing assessment program within a technical writing course. Attempts to evaluate student writing at the conclusion of such a course. Addresses fundamental issues of sound assessment, including reliability and validity. Presents assessment guidelines for technical writing teachers. (HB)

An approach for involving beneficiaries in specifying program attributes for evaluators to address is discussed. Methods are outlined for sharing influence among program decision makers and beneficiaries. Application of this approach in the evaluation of a problem-based medical school curriculum is described, with evidence on the enhancement of…

Whether external validity of intelligence quotient (IQ) scores from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised is moderated by reading ability was studied with 382 Canadian elementary school students. Little evidence was found that IQ scores had less concurrent validity for poor readers. Implications for remedial services provision are…

College grade point averages after 4 semesters and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores were compared for 200 Hispanic (predominantly Cuban American) and 892 non-Hispanic White students at the University of Miami. Mean SATs were significantly lower for Hispanic students (about 45 points on average, both verbal and math), despite equivalent…

This response to EC 607 382 raises concerns about the standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. These include (1) the modest references to student diversity, (2) instructional methodology, and (3) the need for more research to validate the standards' curricular and instructional recommendations. (DB)

Discusses major advances and issues in social-skills research with adolescents, including efforts to facilitate treatment adherence, social validity, and generalization of interventions. Directions for further improvement of social-skills intervention technology are also discussed. (Author/CR)

DWI offenders (N=123) referred to treatment who remained drug and alcohol free for six months posttreatment are well distinguished from those returned to court by the Anxiety, Depression, and Sensation Seeking, scales and the composite Dysphoria scale of the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List-Revised administered at intake. Predictive validity…

Describes a study involving 29 low-income parents with learning difficulties that validated a prescriptive home-danger and safety-precaution instrument containing 14 epidemiological categories to be used in the design and evaluation of family-tailored injury prevention and safety interventions. (Author/CR)

A survey of 44 national authorities in best practices for students with severe cognitive disabilities found a high degree of professional congruence on the core of best practices embodied in the performance criteria for Kentucky's alternate assessment for students with significant disabilities. Concerns about more limited learner outcomes are…

The validity of the Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory was tested with a sample of 134 Chilean adults. The scale was able to discriminate between abusing and nonabusing individuals. The items which had the greatest discriminating power were related to feelings of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and family problems. (CR)

Describes United States literacy characteristics, based on April 2000 reports from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Discusses Angoff methods for evaluating validity of high-stakes testing programs in Massachusetts and Virginia. (MLH)