Three studies of construction and validity of a learner typology and an instructor typology based on the Canfield Learning Styles Inventory were conducted, using 851 male and 543 female community college students and 117 male and 120 female community college faculty members. The results provide support for both typologies. (SLD)

Social skills and levels of inappropriate assertiveness/impulsiveness were assessed using the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters, with 17 autistic children (ages 2-21) and 17 matched nonautistic children. Significant differences in both appropriate and inappropriate social behaviors were found. Results suggest the importance of…

This study, involving 24 children or adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders, assessed 3 autism scales: Autism Behavior Checklist, Real Life Rating Scale, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The study analyzed interrater reliability, correlations between pairs of the three scales, diagnostic classification cutoff scores, and…

The Autism Behavior Checklist was completed for 67 autistic and 56 mentally retarded and learning-disabled children (ages 6-15). The checklist was effective in classifying children when using either the full scale or only the more highly weighted items. Results did not support a single unidimensional scale or subdividing the checklist into five…

Identifies factors that influence the English reading test performance of Hispanic children as compared with Anglo children in the same fifth and sixth grade classrooms. Suggests that Hispanic students' reading test scores seriously underestimate their reading comprehension potential. Discusses factors that adversely affect their test performance.…

Researchers studied the reliability of the modified push-up test in measuring upper body strength and endurance in elementary through college students. It also examined the accuracy of partner scoring. The test proved much easier to administer than the regular floor push-up. It was valid and reliable for all students and suitable for partner…

Behavioral intentions of 100 families regarding out-of-home placement for their child or early adolescent with severe handicaps were tracked 4 times over 6 years with the Placement Tendency Index, to assess the dynamics of family behavioral change. The index had long-term modest predictive capacity but increased predictive utility over shorter…

Ten groups (2-5 members each) of tenth-grade Israeli English-as-a-Second-Language students took first a group quiz and then individual quizzes on the same material. Comparison of the results showed that, especially for weaker students, group work and group grades offered some advantages over individual work and assessment. (CNP)

This article discusses the importance of social validity and quality of life concerns in identifying meaningful outcomes for the education of students with severe and multiple disabilities. The article stresses the need for outcomes to result in participation in daily routines and in the student's having more meaningful control over personal…

Discusses how legal issues impinge upon teacher competency testing, describing key legal provisions (antitrust protection, due process, equal protection, substantial adverse impact, and business necessity), and examining each one's impact on testing and teacher certification. Recommendations to help teacher educators ensure legal, credible, and…

Extent to which findings derived from 4 approaches to multimethod multitrait analyses (MTMM) were consistent in providing estimates of construct validity related to measurement of 4 dimensions of perceived competence across 4 maximally dissimilar rating methods was determined using sample of 158 eleventh graders in Canada. Four MTMM approaches…

Criterion-related validities of 2 laboratory practitioner certification examinations for medical technologists (MTs) and medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) were assessed for 81 MT and 70 MLT examinees. Validity coefficients are presented for both measures. Overall, summative ratings yielded stronger validity coefficients than ratings based on…

Evaluated separate and combined effects of study skills training and career counseling on student retention among 36 college students at high risk for dropping out of college. Students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment or control conditions. Only study-skills-alone treatment had significant positive impact on retention and achieved…

Examined relation between adolescent separation-individuation, family cohesion, and college adjustment in college students (N=240). First group was used to explore individuation measures. Theoretical model specifying that college adjustment would be predicted by family cohesion, positive separation feelings, and independence from parents, was…

The development and testing of a measure of pharmacy student performance in the clinical setting is described. Participating faculty refined an instrument for its ability to measure eight behavioral objectives of patient presentation. Items were of Likert or dichotomous format and measured problem-solving and communication skills. (Author/MSE)