Two studies investigated anxiety in two groups of 270 and 171 college sophomores. The first study ascertained whether high anxiety can improve academic performance, and the second specified the effects of anxiety and academic performance on achievement anxiety while controlling for the effect of scholastic aptitude. Results suggest that anxiety,…

Results of a study comparing the academic achievement of 350 teacher education graduates and 1,333 non-teacher education graduates at Clarion University (PA) challenge the view that teacher education students perform poorly. (IAH)

In response to a previous article, this article addresses issues raised about the identification of subjects as learning disabled and the use of the Modern Language Aptitude Test as a predictor of success. (JL)

A problem-solving test completed by 49 preservice agricultural educators showed a lack of competence in mathematical problem solving. Those who scored higher were more likely to have completed advanced mathematics courses and had higher ACT math scores. (JOW)

Using Scholastic Aptitude Test scores as a measure of ability, across-the-board raises in teacher salaries produce only a modest improvement in attracting more able teachers. Such raises tend to encourage teachers of every type to stay longer and lowers the probability of hiring new entrants with high ability. (SK)

Examined vocational evaluation's impact on rehabilitation client self-estimated aptitudes and interests. Results of study of 73 clients at comprehensive rehabilitation facility indicated that clients tended to overestimate aptitudes and interests in comparison to their tested levels and process of vocational evaluation had little effect on…

Many parents are choosing to send their children to afterschool private learning centers to narrow gap between academic potential and actual progress. Such parents usually feel more in control of their children's educational experiences and desire individualized reading lists, enrichment programs, and help with managing discipline and learning…

Effective problem solvers have an aptitude complex composed of cognitive, affective, and conative factors. After diagnosing learning readiness, instructions can organize strategies to help students structure knowledge and develop the attitudes, confidence, and skills to think through application-level problems. (SK)

The experience of developing a set of comprehensive aptitude batteries for computer administration for the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory's Learning Abilities Measurement Program resulted in the formulation of nine principles for creation of a computerized test battery. These principles are discussed in the context of research on…

Four steps for using the aptitudes conversion procedure for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised are obtaining a summary of numerical aptitude ratings; identifying possible placements from the "Dictionary of Occupational Titles" or the "Handbook for Analyzing Jobs"; narrowing placements to match individual needs…

Responds to article by Ross investigating whether psychologists possess psychometric knowledge necessary to evaluate discrepancies within individual's test performace with sufficient accuracy to ensure reliable decision making. Presents arguments within context of guidelines for test interpretation and estimation of error. Offers suggestions for…

Reacts to response of Barnett and Macmann concerning Ross's investigation into whether psychologists possess psychometric knowledge necessary to evaluate discrepancies within individual's test performace with sufficient accuracy to ensure reliable decision making. Contends that ways need to be found to implement and evaluate promising…

A program dubbed AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has spread to nearly 600 schools across the country. Its primary mission is to help average achievers do well enough in high school to be accepted into college. A 1994 study found that 94 percent of AVID graduates enrolled in 2-year or 4-year colleges. Sidebars recount the…

Three studies of college students (n=178, 129, and 96) evaluated the reliability and validity of the Assessment of Attributions for Career Decision-Making instrument. Factor analysis supported a three-factor structure. The instrument demonstrated adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct, criterion, and incremental…

In Eurocentric cultures there is a belief that there are gender differences in mathematics achievement. In reality, those differences are small whereas differences among ethnic groups, countries, and schools--often related to privilege--are much larger. (JOW)