The response-shift phenomenon is demonstrated in a typical classroom setting. Retrospective pre-ratings in self-report instruments are shown to yield more accurate estimates of pre-instruction knowledge than simple pre-ratings. (Author/CM)

Advises principals about their responsibilities concerning the educational assessment of handicapped students. Discusses the scope of assessment, test validity and reliability, commonly used tests, assessment issues, and specific actions principals can take. (Author/WD)

This study attempts to obtain evidence of the construct validity of pupil ability tests hypothesized to represent orientation to right, left, or integrated hemispheric function, and of teacher observation subscales intended to reveal behaviors in school setting that were hypothesized to portray preference for right or left brain function. (Author)

Describes the Minnesota Preschool Inventory and provides data regarding its validity. Results based on a study of (N=360) prekindergarten children indicated that low scores on certain developmental scales question children's abilities to meet kindergarten expectations. Parent concerns, adjustment scales, and symptoms may point to a need for…

Examines various forms of pure skills and skills combination laboratory testing developed at the Geddes Language Center (GLC) of Boston University during the past 10 years. Discusses suggestions for refinements and basic testing principles for each format, based on an evaluation of oral/aural exams on file at GLC. (MES)

Described is the development of a test battery measuring nine enquiry skills in three general areas: using reference materials, interpreting and processing information, critical thinking in science. Validation data are reported from the administration to a large sample of junior high science students. (CS)

A reanalysis of Stephens' intercorrelations of Wechsler subtests, achievement tests, and Piagetian tasks was conducted. (EJ 055 112) Piagetian tasks contributed almost equally to the definition of the general factor in intelligence along with the Wechsler subtests and the achievement tests. Communality outweighed differences between intelligence…

The purpose of this study was to use multivariate techniques in a federally-regulated validation study, and compare the results obtained from zero-order correlations and multiple correlations with the results obtained using factor scores and canonical correlation. The subjects consisted of 51 applicants for the position of patrolman. (Author/CTM)

The Minnesota Percepto-Diagnostic Test (MPDT) classifies remedial readers into three groups: primary, secondary, organic. This study of subjects aged 7-22 sought to determine if a significant negative relationship existed between (MPDT) scores and reading achievement and if error patterns differ significantly within and between the…

Describes the development of an instrument for assessment of practical nutrition knowledge of high school senior girls. (Author/CS)

Seven methods were used to measure the self-acceptance, self-description, and acceptance of others in 137 people ranging in age from 14 to 82. Results indicated that self-acceptance and self-description could not be clearly distinguished. (MH)

The item bank (Rasch model) has serious limitations for the national assessment of subject performance: it requires agreement about the scope and organization of each school subject and about the difficulty level of each test item; and items tend to focus on factual knowledge, ignoring other desirable learning outcomes. (SJL)

Reports on and assesses the construct validity of new measures of strength of enduring desires for existence in the form of pay, relatedness with the group and with supervisors, and growth in one's job. (Author/IRT)

Problems in the validity and usefulness of the Law School Admission Test in selecting appropriate candidates for law school admission are detailed. The history of the test's development and controversy over its use are discussed. Available from Law Student Division, American Bar Association, 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637; $1.00. (MSE)

Test validity, coaching, the college admissions process, and achievement tests are discussed by the director of the Iowa Testing Programs. Data published on the SAT are examined. It is suggested that systematic instruction in problem-solving skills may improve not only test performance but also skills the test is designed to assess. (Author/MLW)