Three item response models were evaluated for estimating item parameters and equating test scores. The models, which approximated the traditional three-parameter model, included: (1) the Rasch one-parameter model, operationalized in the BICAL computer program; (2) an approximate three-parameter logistic model based on coarse group data divided…

This study examined the effect of type of correlation matrix on the robustness of LISREL maximum likelihood and unweighted least squares structural parameter estimates for models with categorical manifest variables. Two types of correlation matrices were analyzed; one containing Pearson product-moment correlations and one containing tetrachoric,…

Data obtained in a 1983 survey of state legislative education committee chairpersons are summarized. The survey was conducted to discover if there were any trends acorss states in their recent efforts to improve education and to profile each state's educational policy activities. Survey findings include: (1) state efforts to improve schools began…

Microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL), the use of microcomputers for student-directed data acquisition and analysis, represents a promising new development in science laboratory instruction. This descriptive study determined the impact of MBLs on middle school students' understanding of graphs of distance and velocity. The study was based on the…

This paper reviews the basic elements of the EM approach to estimating item parameters and illustrates its use with one simulated and one real data set. In order to illustrate the use of the BILOG computer program, runs for 1-, 2-, and 3-parameter models are presented for the two sets of data. First is a set of responses from 1,000 persons to five…

The Project on Equal Education Rights (PEER) measures progress in educational equality and documents the advancement of women and girls in education. State-by-state surveys of the status of females in education are used to measure this progress. The 1986 PEER report attempted to measure states' commitment to excellence and equity in education.…

This paper analyzes data on trends of black student achievement from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Focus is placed on reading and math. Eleven graphs are provided and analyzed to discern trends for population estimates of average reading and math achievement scores for black and white school children at ages 9, 13, and…

The reliability of item bias estimates was studied for four methods: (1) the transformed delta method; (2) Shepard's modified delta method; (3) Rasch's one-parameter residual analysis; and (4) the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. Bias statistics were computed for each sample using all methods. Data were from administration of multiple-choice items from…

The effectiveness of a commercial preparation class in New York City for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) was studied. A group of the regular clientele of the school (55 eleventh graders) was compared with a group of low-income minority students given scholarships to the course (33 Black or Hispanic eleventh graders). The effects of the coaching…

Item bias is defined as the dependence of item responses and group membership conditional on the value of the trait that the test is supposed to measure. The results of item bias detection methods based on this conditional definition and using a stepwise or iterative procedure appear to be adequate. In this paper, experimental studies in the…

Descriptions of 13 software programs suitable for use with kindergarten students include curriculum area, title, producer, hardware requirements, program description, teaching objective, and competencies. Prerequisites and introductory, developmental, follow-up, and evaluation activities are also provided for seven instructional sequences designed…

This report presents the findings of a study that examined the impact of compensatory education services on children's academic achievement in grades 1 to 6. Examination of data from the 1976-79 Sustaining Effects Study of Title I revealed the following major conclusions: (1) small positive gains in reading achievement are related to participation…

This report, containing seven articles, summarizes a series of evaluation studies. The first article, "The Shell Science and Mathematics Resource Centre in 1987," provides an overview of the Centre's mode and reflections about the achievements of the Centre during the three years of its operation. The second article, "The Curriculum…

This report covers the activities of 1985 high school graduates of the Los Angeles Unified School District one year after graduating. The questionnaires, administered via the mail, surveyed graduates concerning their educational pursuits, employment endeavors, and opinions regarding their educational experience. Approximately 33% of the 9,299…

A social and academic change program was designed for an 11-year-old educable mentally retarded female with Downs Syndrome. Noncompliant behavior was modified through systematic and consecutive manipulations of two reinforcement systems. Responding to teacher requests within 5 seconds was reinforced within the context of math instruction in order…