The structure of subscores obtained through streamlined scoring of 334 adults' responses to Figural Forms A and B of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (P. Torrance, 1966) was analyzed. Principal components analyses indicated that one general creativity factor adequately represented subscores of both forms. However, the five subscores of each…

Uses several thought experiments to explore the potential impact of the choice of criterion on the results of examinee-centered studies. Conclusions from these experiments are then used to examine the different cutting scores from several contrasting groups studies on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (SLD)

Equations for prorating the Wechsler Memory Scale--Revised General Memory (GM) and Delayed Recall (DR) index scores were confirmed in a clinical sample of 258 patients. These prediction equations for the GM and DR summary scores have validity for patient samples similar to those of the present study. (SLD)

Assessed the interrater reliability of the revised Advanced Psychodiagnostic Interpretation (API) (A. Raphael and C. Golden, 1998) scoring system for the Bender Gestalt Test (L. Bender, 1938). Agreement across nine raters exceeded 90% for each of three clinical protocols, and kappa statistics indicated good interrater reliability. (SLD)

Provides clear definitions of the terms "validity" and "reliability" in the context of developing scoring rubrics and illustrates these definitions through examples. Also clarifies how validity and reliability may be addressed in the development of scoring rubrics, defined as descriptive scoring schemes developed to guide the analysis of the…

Tennis is a sport in which the mathematics involves an unusual scoring system together with other applications pertinent to the draw for different types of tournaments and the relative ratios of points won and lost. The name of the sport is thought to have originated from the French word "tenez", which translates roughly as "to receive (the…

A rubric is a scoring device that includes the criteria and standards used to evaluate student work (Lund, 2000). Physical education has always used performance as a basis of assessment, but in some instances, without a rubric or scoring guide (Lund, 2000). A rubric can be constructed and used for assessing students' skill levels and/or…

This article describes the development of artifact collection and scoring procedures to characterize classroom practice in mathematics and science. A data collection tool called the "Scoop Notebook" was used to gather artifacts related to key features of classroom practice, such as teachers' use of instructional materials and strategies, classroom…

Purpose: Multidimensional scoring methods yield valuable information about communication abilities. However, issues of training demands for valid and reliable scoring, especially in current service delivery contexts, may preclude common usage. Alternatives to multidimensional scoring were investigated in a sample of adults with aphasia. Method:…

Assessment is an ever changing and challenging topic for teacher-librarians and teachers. Designing authentic assessment tools that help students know what is expected of them as well as providing options for unbiased evaluation are feats for even a master educator. This column focuses on Web sites that provide insight into the authentic…

This article describes the combinatorial thinking involved in computing one's score in the game of cribbage. It deals only with counting the hand; it does not describe the game in its entirety.

The Standards in Practice process developed by the Education Trust focuses on teacher learning through improving assignments. As teachers use student samples to evaluate what levels of work demonstrate quality, they review with each other how assignments can improve and how the work is connected to standards.

A Missouri support services center helps teachers learn to embed professional learning in their real work with students and students' writing.

Performance-based assessment of teachers includes a class of measurement methods designed to assess the quality of teacher performance on one or two important aspects of teaching. It may include portfolios, structured observations, video records of practice, and teacher work samples. Performance-based assessment can be contrasted with assessments…

Life involves a myriad of skills. Most of the basic skills are undeniably "classics" such as communication and problem solving. The interpretation and delivery of these skills has morphed into a complicated science, with the changing social environment and the growing prevalence of technology in our everyday existences. Commonplace technology, as…