Latent trait theory supposes that, in testing situations, examinee performance on a test can be predicted (or explained) by defining examinee characteristics, referred to as traits, estimating scores for examinees on these traits and using the scores to predict or explain test performance (Lord and Novick, 1968). In view of the breakthroughs in…

The development and implementation of a counseling model designed to improve retention and academic success of high risk students at Ball State University, Indiana, are described. Initially, academic advisors were trained through workshops conducted by team members to translate information on individual advisee learning styles, behavior…

There are both strengths and weaknesses of using standardized test scores as a criterion for admission to institutions of higher education. The relative importance of scores is dependent on the institution's degree of selectivity. In general, decision processes and admissions criteria are not well defined. Advantages of test scores include: use of…

The physical fitness and lifestyle of Canadian school children has been deteriorating in recent years. The main objectives of physical education are directed toward the development of physical fitness and a positive lifestyle. This manual provides an opportunity for measuring the components of physical fitness. Physical fitness testing involves…

The problems associated with standardized testing are illustrated in this collection of articles. Alternatives to current practices and strategies for change are suggested. The contributors discuss the roles and responsibilities of groups concerned with student evaluation systems, the testing of minority group and non-English-speaking students,…

Goodness of fit of raw test score data were compared, using two latent trait models: the Rasch model and the Birnbaum three-parameter logistic model. Data were taken from various achievement tests and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (Verbal). A minimum sample size of 1,000 was required, and the minimum test length was 40 items. Results indicated that…

Diagnostic instruments of the Individually Prescribed Instruction (IPI) Program measure pupil achievement in the IPI learning continuum. The IPI system employs the instructional unit to define progress in mathematics, reading and science. At the start of a school year, placement tests are administered to start the pupil in appropriate learning…

The Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) is treated in terms of the ability measured, hints for administration and scoring, and questions often asked for each of the nine subtests. Typical profiles are described and analyzed for mentally retarded, kindergarteners, slow learners, culturally disadvantaged, Negroes, good and poor…

The problem of enabling a teaching machine to adapt to the individual characteristics of students in presenting course material has been considered--general outlines of computer algorithms and decision criteria have been formulated. It is assumed that there exists both an ordered set of concepts which comprise the material to be learned and, for…

U.S. Army service schools have been directed (USONARC Directive 350-34, Education and Training, New Instructional Techniques) to initiate development of automated courses of instruction in their curriculum. Programers and training supervisors are provided with procedural guidelines for the derivation of learning objectives and for the use of…

High school and college grades are suggested to have the nature of ordinal scales rather than interval scales; hence the median is the appropriate and preferred average, rather than the mean. The use of a median grade point average has some of the major advantages of pass-fail grading. Assuming grades to be ordinal rather than interval data…

Adaptive behavior is defined as the degree to which individuals are able to function and maintain themselves independently, and meet the culturally imposed demands of personal an social responsibility. In 1969, the American Association on Mental Deficiency sponsored the development of the Adaptive Behavior Scale to provide a comprehensive…

This explanatory report was prepared to assist educators in the interpretation of the local and school district summary reports provided by the 1973-74 Michigan Educational Assessment Program. Information concerning the interpretation of student and classroom reports was provided in a separate report. The first section of this report describes the…

This explanatory report was prepared to assist educators in the interpretation of the local district and school summary reports provided by the 1974-75 Michigan Educational Assessment Program. Information concerning the interpretation of student and classroom reports was provided in a separate report. The first section of this report describes the…

This report, the second in the 1975-76 series, is directed toward the local school district staff whose responsibility it is to read, interpret, and use the data generated by the Michigan Educational Assessment Program. This report combines in one booklet information that in previous years was contained in two booklets: the Individual Pupil…