Classical test theory and correlational techniques such as factor analysis have been unable to deal with many language tests' measurement problems. The Partial Credit Model, a latent trait model for the analysis of data scored in ordered categories, is used to construct and analyze an oral interview test of English as a Second Language. (28…

The article describes the development of a Knowledge Battery to assess the competency level of secondary special education students receiving instruction in the Life-Centered Career Education Curriculum. The Battery consists of 89 subcompetency tests with items selected, validity, reliability, cutting scores determined, and standardization…

Examined how young children participating in early childhood programs perceive the social support they receive. Results indicated that pre- and early elementary school-age children can respond to questions about their social support networks in reasonably reliable and valid ways. Significant correlations with indices of perceived competence and…

The measurement of the performance of schools is complicated by the need to adjust for differences in input mixes. Schools may have a differential effect on the performance of different types of pupils. Rather than a single performance indicator, a system of indicators is needed. Characteristics of a good indicator system are identified. (KDP)

This study examined the construct validity of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory by comparing 41 maltreating and high-risk parents' CAP Inventory abuse scores to their behavior during observed interactions with their children. Correlational analyses revealed that CAP Inventory scores and observed parenting style yielded highly related findings…

Two studies involving 89 children were conducted to evaluate the validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) with African American students undergoing special education evaluations. Results were highly correlated with previously determined IQs, and the factor structure of the WISC-III was generally supported.…

Reports on a battery of oral language and early literacy tests, called the SHELL. Describes the tests, presents tasks and scoring system, and provides information about performance by participants in the Home-School Study of Language and Literacy Development. Descriptive, correlational, and predictive analyses based on SHELL-K (kindergarten) and…

Compared 16 disruptive preadolescent boys with symptoms of attention deficit (AD) to 16 disruptive boys without attention deficit (DIS) and 16 controls (CO) using Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Found AD group was significantly distinct (had lower score) in comparison to DIS and CO on color-word score. ADs showed more hesitations on color-word…

Reliability and construct validity of observer ratings on the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) were evaluated in a sample of 101 college students and the observations of 2 people who knew each student. Results document the strong internal consistency of each scale and a factor structure replicating previous findings. (SLD)

Reports on a series of tests made to determine whether a correlation exists between modes of testing and the ability of Russian language students to place stress correctly. Contrary to the hypothesis, it was found that a significant variation did occur in the results obtained both for test type and test modality. (16 references) (MDM)

Psychometric properties of a Goals Inventory developed to measure learning and performance goal orientations were investigated with 187 undergraduates. The instrument was shown to be internally consistent and reliable over time, with a high degree of convergent and divergent validity, well suited for measurement with adults. (SLD)

This article summarizes data regarding the use of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) in a universal newborn screening program and describes various facets of program implementation. It concludes that data show that TEOAE can be used to significantly reduce the average age of identification for hearing loss in the U.S. (Author/DB)

Instruments used to measure creativity by 418 school districts as part of their identification procedures for gifted programs were studied. Results indicated that districts often select instruments for assessing creativity without attending to the definition of the construct. Creativity is often assessed in ways that may not be valid or reliable.…

A functional screening and identification system for behavior problems among preschool children, ages 3 through 5, was assessed with 2,853 children from regular and special education preschool and kindergarten classrooms in 8 states. The Early Screening Project procedure was found to provide reliable, accurate, and cost-effective screening. (SW)

Assessed the reliability and validity of Cole's four-item version of the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ). Clinical outpatients and undergraduates completed the SBQ and other measures. Results indicated the SBQ's strength lay in two areas: internal consistency and test-retest reliability over a two-week time period. (RJM)