This paper reports the results of a study in which the following issues were addressed: (1) whether there is a strong relationship between syntactic enhancement, as measured by Davidson's Test of Ability to Subordinate (TAS), and overall writing ability; (2) whether a subordination test has any predictive ability for attained writing proficiency;…

Three pilot studies--effects of writing prompt modality on writing performance; effect of topic familiarity; and effect of topic, sample and rater group membership on the stability of scoring criteria application--are used to identify the variability in student writing performance. A writing competency test aims to assess writing-specific skills…

Three equating methods were compared in terms of magnitude of scale drift: equipercentile equating, linear equating, and item response theory (IRT) equating. A sample of approximately 2670 cases was selected for each pairing of a form of the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and an anchor test. Of the two conventional equating methods,…

Intended for use by school administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, and proctors, this manual contains general information on Regents examinations and competency tests. Specifically, the regulations and procedures for ordering, administering, and rating these examinations are described. Information is also included about the competency…

The third in a series on Navy Computer Managed Instruction (CMI), this report describes how the automated scoring of teletypewriting tests affects training in a system for automated performance testing (APT) which was implemented in the teletypewriter (TTY) portion of the Radioman "A" School in San Diego. The system includes a computer-generated…

A low cost approach to measuring materials availability in small- or medium-sized libraries using an interview questionnaire is described in detail, along with an application of this approach. A rationale for using this method is provided, as well as guidelines for conducting such a survey. Facts of the study are discussed, including objectives,…

Factor analysis can be a valuable tool for assessing validity; however, the reliabilities of identified factors must be attended to. This study examined the impacts of item variance on factor stability and structure. The attempt was to determine empirically whether unnumbered graphic scales scored using a larger number of scale steps produce more…

The approaches used by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to characterize syntax, cohesion and mechanics are described. These approaches are different from the Primary Trait System, a scheme used by NAEP for rating essays. Part one of the publication describes the procedures NAEP used to characterize differences in syntactic…

The problem engendered by the Matching Familiar Figures (MFF) Test is one of instrument integrity (II). II is delimited by validity, reliability, and utility of MFF as a measure of the reflective-impulsive construct. Validity, reliability and utility of construct assessment may be improved by utilizing: (1) a prototypic scoring model that will…

Issues involved in standard setting along with methods for standard setting are reviewed, with specific reference to their relevance for criterion referenced testing. Definitions are given of continuum and state models, and traditional and normative standard setting procedures. Since continuum models are considered more appropriate for criterion…

A complex freestanding optical mark recognition (OMR) scanner is one which is not on-line to an external processor; it has intelligence stemming from an internal processor located within the unit or system. The advantages and disadvantages of a complex OMR can best be assessed after identifying the scanning needs and constraints of the potential…

The pure Rasch model was compared with four modifications of the model in a number of different simulations in order to ascertain the comparative efficiencies of the parameter estimations of these modifications. Because there is always noise in test score data, some individuals may have response patterns that do not fit the model and their…

To help school districts comply with basic skills legislation, the California State Department of Education developed sample writing exercises and scoring guides. The exercises were modeled after Kinneavy's three categories of discourse: expressive--writer oriented; explanatory--subject oriented; and persuasive--audience oriented. The minimum…

The proceedings of a one-day training seminar on the assessment of writing proficiency are presented. The seminar was designed to bring educators up to date on newly developed assessment methods and to help them see the developmental directions of the future. The program was divided into two parts: large-group presentations and small-group…

A new scoring procedure for multiple choice tests attempts to assess partial knowledge and to restrict guessing. It is a variant of Coombs' elimination scoring method, adapted for use with the carbon-shield answer sheets commonly used with answer-until-correct scoring. Examinees are directed to erase the carbon shields of choices they are certain…