Two studies of the oral secondary school leaving examinations in Germany indicated variances in ratings made by different teachers. The differences were significantly influenced by speed of speaking, background information about past achievement, and contrast of performance related to sequence of presentation. (Author/MJL)

A study was conducted to validate a model for measurement of self-concept in inner city children. Black and White students answered questions on the Self-Appraisal Inventory-Revised (SAI-R). Results supported the similarity in structure of self between inner city children and the population on which the SAI-R was standardized. (Author/GC)

Provides necessary statistical information for comparing subtests of the Test of Language Development-Primary (TOLD-P) to an individual's mean scaled score at each of five age levels. While it would be convenient to use the average of these values across the age levels, this procedure is inappropriate for the TOLD-P. (Author/JAC)

Testing provides a major tool to assure the quality of education and access based on merit. In selection processes, the opposite of meritocracy is not equality but favoritism. Without adequate testing, society will have weaker assurance of an individual's performance capacity and productive contribution. (Author/CM)

The 10 subscales of the Family Environment Scale did not emerge as 10 factors of the family environment. Seven new subscales were proposed: conflict, group cohesion, structure, religion, activities, verbal-intellectual orientation, and protestant ethic. The first four factors replicated well; the last three factors replicated moderately well.…

Concludes that the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) provides valid predictions of student academic aptitude and is a reliable measure of reading attitude. Finds no significant correlation between the NDRT and student self-concept. (FL)

A study of test performance and field dependent-independent (FD/I) cognitive style in 250 college students showed consistently positive correlation between FI and cloze test scores, and other measures such as final grade. It is suggested cloze tests may call forth cognitive restructuring capabilities more easily for more field independent…

Fifty-six students from two Minnesota technical institutes were administered the Minnesota Reading Assessment and the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests. Statistical analysis indicates that, while the two tests are not identical measures of vocabulary and comprehension, their measures of reading rate and speed are highly correlated. (SK)

Factor analyzed the Family Environment Scale (FES) subscale scores of 204 families and correlated them with family demographic characteristics. The obtained factor structure showed two major factors similar to "control" and "acceptance-rejection" dimensions in previous research. Results support the FES as part of multimethod…

Discusses use of item banks in preparing local tests, using as an example the construction of a college mathematics placement test. Compares recommended placements with course results at the end of the quarter. Students who placed themselves above recommendation did better than expected, perhaps because of strong self-selection factors. (PAS)

Uses a scale to analyze three tests used for assessing community college students' reading levels: The Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT), the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT), and the Iowa Silent Reading Tests (ISRT). Judges the ISRT to be the best and the NDRT to be unacceptable according to the criteria of the scale. (FL)

An observation instrument designed to be applicable across teaching situations (both grade levels and educational strategies) is presented with evidence regarding its efficiency and generalizability. The dependability of scores yielded is assessed by a generalizability study, and recommendations concerning number and item types in the measure are…

A critique of a variety of formats used in combined-response test items (those in which the respondent must choose the correct combination of options: a and b, all of the above, etc.) illustrates why this kind of testing is inherently flawed and should not be used in optometry examinations. (MSE)

An effort was made to determine the factorial validity of a preliminary scale for student evaluation of group counseling. Results of this factor analysis and those of a detailed item analysis were used to develop a new form of the Scale for the Evaluation of Group Counseling Experiences. (Author/GK)

Estimates of the criterion-related validity for the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) in mathematics and science were determined empirically. Results suggest that the science tests are not as useful as the mathematics tests as indicators of subject knowledge. (GK)