The Figural, Symbolic, and Semantic dimensions or the Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities (SOI-LA) tests have been employed as prescriptive tools for matching students to appropriate methods of reading instruction. A multiple-group factor analysis revealed strong evidence of their construct validity in a normative sample of 364 second…

Twenty-one studies that reported mean score differences between the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJTCA) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) Full Scale are summarized. The differences are found to be minimal and are attributed to data bias and WJTCA's higher correlation with achievement. (EGS)

PLANA is a training program for subject matter analysis and construction of instructional objectives. This evaluation compared the performance of PLANA-trained and control-group teachers as to their precision in defining teaching objectives and their corresponding instructional tasks and test items. (BW)

Notes that, while the test is not recommended for children at the lower and extreme upper levels, it does provide a valid and reliable measure of some of the abilities that may be involved in the reading behaviors of five- and six-year-old children. (FL)

This study analyzed the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) scores from three subject groups (one clinical and two college samples). Five separate item pool arrangements were organized from the TSCS to assess its validity and related issues. The utility of the TSCS in applied settings is discussed. (Author/BS)

Discusses methods of sampling the best information from instruction/training developers/candidates for professional certification and examines the problems of interpreting that information and making classification decisions. Assessment strategies including criterion-referenced, multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions, and portfolio…

Concludes that the Brigance Screen is a well-organized criterion-referenced test designed to assist in the early identification of individuals who need further testing. (FL)

Reports that reading instructional level scores of a teacher constructed informal reading inventory, the commercially prepared Basic Reading Inventory, the Metropolitan Achievement Test, and students' actual level of placement in books are roughly comparable but that the Wide Range Achievement Test reading subtest places children much higher. (FL)

Reviews literature on children up to age one to determine whether heart rate (HR) is a reliable, stable, and valid measure. Considers factors influencing resting HR and the Law of Initial Values, discusses information about response to stimulation and infant perception and affect obtained by using HR measures, and describes HR use in risk…

Assessed the behavioral meaning of scores from a teacher-judgment measure of social competence as it reveals itself in the classroom behavior of kindergarten children (N=l00). Results supported the validity of teachers' judgments of interest and participation displayed by the boys and cooperation and compliance displayed by the girls. (LLL)

Provides a general description of the aims of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and focuses on the reasons for the recent declines in verbal and math scores. Also notes the best sorts of preparation--both general academic and specific preparation--for achieving high SAT scores. (JW)

Subjects read a situation description and rated the likelihood of their taking the response designated as appropriate. Regression analyses revealed the contributions of sex and the traits of instrumentality and emotional expressiveness (as measures earlier by the Bem Sex Role Inventory) to self-reported instrumentality and emotional…

To determine to what extent competencies to be measured by the Alabama High School Graduation Examination were being taught in the Alabama public schools, a survey was conducted of teachers of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. Competencies that were not being taught are identified and possible explanations are outlined. (Author/EGS)

In behavior research using cognitive and affective measures, there is often incongruity between the statistical analysis employed and the intended inference. This paper argues that incorporating items as levels of a random facet via generalizability theory allows the statistical examination of the inferential question in the desired universe of…

Linguistic and statistical analyses of cloze tests as a measure of second language competence revealed qualitative and quantitative differences between the performances of Anglophone immersion and French control groups. The diagnostic limitations of the procedure and the usefulness of the linguistic information derived from it are discussed. (MSE)