The Electronic Switching System (ESS) Minicourse was designed to serve as a second-stage selection procedure for candidates for the full ESS training program. A criterion-related validity study was undertaken to provide further evidence of validity as well as data helpful in setting a cutting score. (Editor/SJL)

Children from grades 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 were administered a modification of Ellis' eleven irrational beliefs questionnaire. As predicted, the younger children showed higher irrational scores, indicating that endorsing irrational beliefs is a function of age. Construct validity and uses of the scale are discussed. (Editor/SJL)

Results of this study reveal that well-trained observers report significantly lower levels of cognitive activity on all measures than raters who had no training or only moderate training. Consequently, interpretations of cognitive components of environmental and teacher evaluation scales must be questioned unless generated by trained student…

The article examines which structure-of-intellect abilities are involved in readiness for arithmetic learning and how they relate to J. Piaget's constructs and analyzes six standardized arithmetic achievement tests. (PHR)

Two small-scale studies of foreign language test validity are reviewed. The teacher variable is found to be the great threat to test validity, even when grammatical material is presented in the language laboratory. Suggestions for compensating for teacher influence are offered. (JB)

Longitudinal observations of maternal and infant characteristics were used to investigate the consequences of early day care intervention for infants at high risk for intellectual retardation due to sociocultural factors. (JMB)

Compares leisure activities with occupational membership as criteria for determining concurrent validity of the Holland and Basic Interest scales of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank. Results indicate greater congruence between interest scales and occupations than interest scales and leisure activities, except when Basic Interest scale cutoff…

Provides an overview of the development of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), the nature of the instrument and conditions for its proper administration, and issues underlying the use of the NBAS in research (e.g., reliability). The first in a series of articles in a single monograph assessing the NBAS. (BH)

Reviews issues of reliability (especially test-retest reliability) in newborn assessment, discusses predictive models based on newborn assessment, and presents information on modifications of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale which may help in pursuing fruitful questions involving prediction of development. (Author/BH)

The value of the Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities Test for identifying gifted children and predicting teacher perception of them was investigated with 138 intermediate grade students. (DLS)

The major purpose of the present investigation was to compare the validity of a work sample test and an intelligence test for the prediction of trainability. Several lines of evidence supported the hypothesis that samples of training behavior are the better predictors. (Author)

Student attitudes toward their schools can be a powerful force in determining the success or failure of those schools. An instrument designed to measure such attitudes is described. (Editor/RK)

Reports a study conducted to assess the discrimination and stability of two evaluation instruments designed for use at the preprofessional level in home economics education: a 40-item test to measure recall, comprehension, and application of knowledge and a five-point rating scale to measure performance in evaluation. Findings show a need for…

This article contains a summary of the predictive data obtained in a follow-up study of students who entered four Ottawa high schools in September 1971. The differences among the schools involved in this study suggest that the school, rather than the school system, is an appropriate unit to examine. (Author)

The educational value of standardized tests and their fairness to racial and ethnic groups continue to be intensely debated issues that affect public policies. This article summarizes many of the prominent points of view and suggests a series of six policy alternatives as possible solutions to the controversies. (Editor/LBH)