Using the generalized partial-credit item response theory (IRT) model, polytomous items from the 1991 field test of the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test were calibrated with multiple-choice and open-ended items. Polytomous items provide more information than dichotomous items. (SLD)

Describes three applications of CD-ROM technology for publishing and distribution of U.S. Army forms and automation of the AD PAM 25-30, a microfiche index to the publications and forms. The production, field test, and evaluation phases of the project are discussed. Several lessons learned are summarized. (MES)

From a sample of 425 employees, 48 percent used the computer-based Employee Development Planning System over 6 months. A follow-up survey found that (1) system users were significantly more involved in career planning activities; (2) usefulness of the program enabled employees to match themselves with career opportunities; and (3) age/career stage…

This article presents the universal design features that were identified during the alpha development of a scheduler software program, known as MySchoolDayOnline, for use in schools, and provides preliminary research on the usability of these features. The study presented here investigated the accessibility and usability of MySchoolDayOnline for…

Purpose: This research was conducted to develop a clinical tool--the Index of Narrative Microstructure (INMIS)--that would parsimoniously account for important microstructural aspects of narrative production for school-age children. The study provides field test age- and grade-based INMIS values to aid clinicians in making normative judgments…

The purpose of this study was to identify the major components of a secondary school counselor's job and translate these job responsibilities into an instrument that could be used by school administrators to identify high quality secondary school counselors during the employment interview. A review of literature resulted in the identification of…

This article discusses field tests that can be used in physical education programs. The most common field tests are anthropometric measurements, which include body mass index (BMI), girth measurements, and skinfold testing. Another field test that is gaining popularity is bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Each method has particular strengths…

Before vocational instructional products are adopted for statewide dissemination in South Carolina, they must undergo a field test. An effective field test design incorporates collection of data about the instructional products, the students, and the teachers who use the products. The design of a control group and an experimental group compares…

A field test was conducted to examine the efficiency of a paper-and-pencil television diary for collecting viewer evaluations of public and commerical television programs. Six hundred individuals in Boston, Massachusetts, kept qualitative viewing diaries for one week. The results indicated high and enthusiastic cooperation by the total sample. The…

The final report describes a project to facilitate the efficiency with which legally blind persons use their remaining vision. The project developed a diagnostic assessment procedure, a design for instruction which includes 150 sequenced lessons, and a sourcebook on low vision. The reliability and validity of the diagnostic assessment procedure…

A procedure was developed for on-site evaluation of replications of exemplary programs that emphasized the replication of the functions accomplished rather than the processes performed. Program functions are defined as operational purposes. A functional analysis begins with identifying program components; describing them fully; and then listing…

Makes a case for the production of printed subject indexes and describes the MICROSPI package, which allows the production of NEPHIS (NEsted PHrase Indexing System) and KWAC (Key Word And Context) indexes on a microcomputer. (Author/MBR)

The McREL Technology Initiative (MTI) was launched by Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) in response to a concern in the Central Region 1 and across the nation: that schools lack the appropriate technological guidance, resources, and professional development programs to support them in becoming high-performing learning…

This report describes the methodology and findings of the NSOPF:04 field test that took place during the 2002?03 academic year. The NSOPF:04 field test was used to plan, implement, and evaluate methodological procedures, instruments, and systems proposed for use in the full-scale study scheduled for the 2003-04 academic year. The field test was…

The success of state assessment programs depends on how well the results are reported to their various audiences. This paper presents 11 guidelines for improving reporting practices, including: plan ahead; develop different reports for different audiences; and field test report formats, language, and content. (BW)