The purpose of this research was to study the effect of the three different ways of increasing the number of points contributed by constructed response (CR) items on the reliability of test scores from mixed-item-format tests. The assumption of unidimensionality that underlies the accuracy of item response theory model-based standard error…

In response to the greatly increased use of statewide high stakes testing, the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented at the University of Virginia developed differentiated authentic assessments for middle school classroom use that embodied key concepts, principles, generalizations, and processes in the disciplines of English/language…

This book, designed as an introductory text in educational measurement, presents comprehensive and balanced coverage of all aspects of assessment relevant to classroom teachers, including construction and use of paper-and-pencil and alternative assessments. This edition expands the coverage of alternative assessments and includes a chapter on the…

An overview of LEAP (Learning Environments for Accelerated Progress) project outcomes draws data from original scoring protocols developed by the LEAP project. These scoring protocols (or "measures") were developed to assess students' progress in the composition of three text genres: narrative, expert, and explanation. Initial analyses…

This paper provides an overview of the types of testing accommodations used for students with disabilities and presents arguments for and against their use. It begins by discussing student participation in educational assessments and federal requirements concerning the participation of students with disabilities. The types of accommodations are…

The reliability and developmental and concurrent validity of the Writing What You Read (WWYR) rubric, designed for use with paper and pen, for hypermedia-authored narrative productions of students in grades 2 and 3 were studied. Sixty students from 4 classrooms produced hypermedia narratives (interactive multimedia presentations) that were rated…

This study investigated the reliability and developmental and concurrent validity of the Writing What You Read (WWYR) rubric, an instrument originally designed for use with paper-and-pen-created narratives, for hypermedia productions of students in grades 2 and 3. Four teachers guided their students in a 3-month-long hypermedia/process writing…

Second language (L2) computer-adaptive testing (CAT) is a technologically advanced method of assessment in which the computer selects and presents test items to examinees according to the estimated level of the examinee's language ability. The basic notion of an adaptive test is to mimic automatically what a wise examiner would normally do.…

Tests are being used widely, and misused widely, to evaluate students, teachers, principals, and other educational administrators. This short primer on testing and assessment is organized into three parts. Part 1, "Essential Statistical Terms," introduces some statistics that are essential to understanding testing concepts and for…

This study was an investigation of a microcomputer system which was developed to administer, score, analyze, and produce a written report for the Peabody picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R). The variables of reliability, age, gender, level of previous experience with microcomputers, preference for manual or computerized test administration,…

Reports both the development of a scale designed to measure the levels of respect offered by teachers to their students and the results of a study which indicate that it is possible to train raters to employ the scale reliably. (Author/JM)

Compared transactions in junior/senior high biology classes and indentified relationships between classroom conditions, lesson format, and instructional activities. Found instruction characterized by inquiry-oriented, laboratory-based learning led and guided by the teacher, with only medium dependence on the textbook. Also found the Structured…

Assesses Scientific Attitude Inventory (SAI) by examining the instrument and 30 studies in which it has been used. In addition, shows how conceptual analysis may be used to investigate validity of a research instrument. Indicates that SAI needs reworking since it is less than certain of what is being measured. (Author/JN)

Used paired comparison to construct a reading preference inventory based on 14 reading themes drawn from previous research. Tested it using intermediate-grade children in three Canadian communities. (FL)

Differences in ratings of the same instructor teaching the same course on two different occasions are related to differences in background characteristics: (1) higher levels of workload/difficulty, (2) higher expected grades, and (3) instructor experience. (PN)