A discussion of those examinations which mark one's advance from one educational level to the next, and those which are required for attainment of an academic degree. The topics addressed are test "infidelity," lack of validity, and their harmfulness on several levels. Some remedies are suggested. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A sample of lower middle class eighth grade Brazilian students were rated by their teachers on eleven aptitude factors. The students were also tested on these factors. Results showed teachers to be fairly accurate in their ratings. (JKS)

Ten self concept measures and two achievement tests were examined for fourth and sixth grade Mexican-Americans, Caucasians, Blacks, Vietnamese, other Asian, and pupils of mixed ethnicity. Pupil self-update of self concept revealed negligible relationships with teacher ratings of achievement, although teacher observations of pupil self concept…

Reviewing psychometric and statistical developments in criterion- referenced testing, this paper presents six sections: uses of criterion- referenced test scores, reliability of criterion-referenced test scores, determination of test length, determination of cut-off scores, test development and validation, and summary and suggestions for further…

Holland hypothesized that personality pattern consistency is related to vocational satisfaction, stability, and success. The viability of this key construct in Holland's theory of careers is examined in light of the expected relationship between level of consistency and frequency of occurrence of 2-letter Holland personality codes. Results are…

This article asks if testing can serve minority needs. The review suggests that testing can serve a useful purpose if it will help ensure quality to all students. (MFD)

The validity of Tinto's (1975) theory of student attrition, which asserts that withdrawal relates most directly to students' integration in the social and academic systems of an institution, is examined. This study supports that theory and also suggests that informal interaction with faculty plays an important role as well. (Editor/LBH)

A study of the reliability and validity of a course evaluation method using small student discussion groups revealed the method to be reliable and productive but found discrepancies between student and teacher objects of evaluation and some dissatisfaction among teachers. (MSE)

Examines some of the problems in interpreting data from attitude measures when the dimensionality of the instrument and sources of heterogeneity in the population are ignored. Illustrates this point by describing the development of an instrument designed to measure children's attitude toward science-related activities. (TW)

This paper discusses how to maintain the integrity of national nomative information for achievement tests when the test that is administered has been customized to satisfy local needs and is not a test that has been nationally normed. Alternative procedures for item selection and calibration are examined. (Author/LMO)

Describes the development and testing of the Bath County Computer Attitudes Scale (BCCAS), which is designed to measure elementary and secondary school students' attitudes toward computers. Preliminary and revised versions are reviewed, and a analysis of data supports the validity of the BCCAS as a measure of computer attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Explains the convergent and discriminant validity of two tests of science process skills with two tests of formal reasoning ability. Reports test results from elementary education majors and discusses the tests' intercorrelations. Implications related to instruction are analyzed. (ML)

Developed a teacher's rating scale of self-esteem for children. Participants were 231 school children in grades K-7. Used sociometric measures, popularity ranking by teachers, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory to estimate validity. The Self-Esteem Rating Scale for Children (SERSC) included 12 behavioral characteristics rated most…

Evaluated the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) as a tool for understanding children's learning problems. Analyzed the predictive utility of several WISC-R subtest recategorizations with regard to academic achievement for 105 children referred for psychoeducational evaluation because of classroom learning problems. Stepwise…