Presents a methodology, known as microcosting, for identifying the unit costs of providing specific library services. It is applied for illustrative purposes to the determination of the unit costs of tracking overdue materials at a major university library; a task flowchart, mathematical formula, and data tables are included. (Author/JD)

This study reports on lessons learned from pre-service principals as they completed the Instructional Leadership Work Sample project and became instructional leaders. Data were collected from 150 participants over a four-semester time period. Teacher partners for the study were recruited from a variety of subject areas and from three…

Incorporating simulated job samples into the junior high school curriculum can provide vocational exploration opportunities as well as assessment data on special needs students. Students can participate as active learners and decision makers. (CL)

An activity-oriented programmed examination describes an actual occupational situation involving a typical work assignment. It is a promising way to measure occupational competence through written examinations. (SK)

The author deals with limitations on the use of work samples as predictors of vocational success of the disabled. The predictive model is briefly reviewed and ways in which the assumptions underlying this model can be violated or altered in vocational evaluation settings are described. (Author)

This study explores the efforts at Brigham Young University to improve preservice candidates' technology integration using the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) as an assessment tool. Baseline data that was analyzed from 95 TWSs indicated that students were predominantly using technology for productivity and information presentation purposes even though…

The paper describes the task matrix procedure for determining the task content for work samples in entry-level occupations within a specified occupational group or industry. The procedure enables the work sample developer to systematically obtain and organize task information from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles in order to identify those…

The study evaluated the construct validity of five perceptual traits with simulated work samples from the Jewish Vocational Service Work Sample System. Results with 36 learning disabled adolescents indicated that simulated work samples can be used as a diagnostic instrument for assessment of perceptual abilities in a vocational setting. (Author/DB)

Included in the review are work samples; the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service Evaluation System; the Singer Evaluation System; the Testing, Orientation, and Work Evaluation in Rehabilitation System; and the Systematic Approach to Vocational Evaluation System. (Author)

Compares three competence assessment strategies that differ in the forms and amounts of evidence required and process of obtaining it: (1) performance samples; (2) workplace observations; and (3) evidence of prior achievements. Concludes that performance evidence may need to be supplemented with prior observations or achievement records and that…

Recognizing the power of high quality practice in teacher preparation, a web-based simulation called Cook School District was designed to allow teacher candidates to practice the skills necessary to connect their teaching to the learning of all children employing the framework of teacher work samples (TWS). Pilot study data comparing simulation…

The guidelines are intended to clarify assessment procedures used with handicapped students in Maine. Based on materials compiled by practitioners in that state, the manual focuses on prevocational and vocational assessments for students in grades 7-12. A three level prevocational (life skills) assessment is proposed, beginning with global…

Fair, valid, and reliable measurement of dependent variables is a concern in personnel evaluation studies. Performance tests, that is, job or work sample tests, situational tests, and job learning or trainability tests, are being used with increasing frequency as measurement techniques capable of meeting these needs. The three categories of…

To measure workplace skills more realistically for certification purposes, two computer-delivered performance examinations, termed "Live Application" exams, were developed to test job-related competencies in a specific software product, Lotus Notes. As in the real world, success on examination tasks was determined by the examinee's final…

Collaboration between special educators and vocational evaluators can begin with vocational assessment which consists of three major aspects: work sampling, psychometric testing, and critical observation of behaviors. Assessment results can result in improved academic programing, career exploration activities, or modified IEPs. (CL)