The construct validity of written Ideaphoria and oral Ideaphoria is discussed through analysis of their content and format and their correlations with tests of divergent thinking and writing speed. The current status of research on the measurement of divergent thinking ability is reviewed. Although the Ideaphoria tests have the same content as…

An experimental test battery designed to measure several perceptual abilities was administered to 1,368 (51.8% male) paying clients of the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation (JOCRF) in an effort to identify and measure three perceptual abilities: (1) flexibility of closure; (2) speed of closure; and (3) spatial scanning. Subjects, who ranged in…

Criteria are presented for vocational evaluators who use work samples as one means of determining the vocational potential of blind clients. Included are rationale for the use of work samples; specific steps for their administration, scoring, and use of norms; and criteria for modifying present work samples and developing new ones. A literature…

The woodworking collection is composed of 55 objectives and related evaluation items for use in grades 7 through 12. Each sample contains the objective, test items, and criteria for judging the adequacy of the response. Woodworking categories being measured include sharpening, adjusting, using and caring for tools; reading a working drawing; stock…

Work sample aptitude test items and questionnaire items on past and predicted grades each contributed to the predictive efficiency of the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test in forecasting algebra grades for 2,684 eighth grade students. (Author/PN)

Comprehensive career assessment of handicapped students takes into account medical, psychoeducational, interest and aptitude information, work and job samples, and situational assessment. School-based career assessment programs are described in Texas, New York, Maryland, and Missouri. The author suggests that such programs will become vital parts…

This study examined work samples and reflections of 223 elementary and secondary preservice teachers in a graduate teacher education program. The 5-year study addressed two questions: (a) To what extent did preservice teachers integrate technology into their instructional planning? (b) To what extent did K-12 students use technologies as a result…

The Academy for Educational Development (AED) sent a research team to Western Oregon University (WOU) on November 17-18, 2008, to conduct interviews with individuals who play important roles in the university's teacher preparation program. These interviews, along with additional materials provided by WOU and identified by the AED research team,…

This manual reviews the use of work samples in the vocational assessment of blind and visually impaired persons and suggests improvements in their use. The information in the manual was gathered through a literature review, a national survey of vocational evaluators in rehabilitation facilities and schools for the blind, and ideas developed by the…

The purpose of this document is to help vocational evaluators understand (1) how the concepts of learning and performance relate to vocational evaluation; (2) why learning assessment is important; and (3) how it may be incorporated into work sample testing. The text is divided into three parts. Part 1 defines the learning assessment process. Part…

A project was conducted to develop and assess a highly job related personnel selection battery that could be administered to inexperienced applicants for positions as public assistance workers in departments of public welfare or unemployment offices. The Public Assistant Worker Job Trial (PAWJT) is called a job trial because instead of attempting…

Concurrent and predictive test validity data and test-retest reliability data were obtained for a work sample performance measure and two paper and pencil tests in a laboratory setting. Findings are interpreted in light of a behavioral consistency model and the practical utility of work samples as a personnel selection technique. (Editor)

This article addresses performance testing based on criterion-referenced measurement. A brief description of performance objectives is presented, followed by a discussion of the different types of performance tests: pencil and paper, identification, simulation, and work sample. Checklists and other types of rating scales are identified. (CT)

The vocational evaluation system has demonstrated relatively strong predictive validity in use with handicapped and disadvantaged individuals receiving vocational evaluation services. These findings permit greater confidence on the part of counselors, evaluators, and job placement specialists in determining occupational directions for their…

Reviews factors that determine sample size, recommended sample sizes, recommended procedures for determining the appropriate sample size, and sample sizes reported in published and unpublished evaluations. (Author)