Beginning in Spring 1998, Virginia students participated in the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments designed to test student knowledge of the content and skills specified in the state's standards. This document contains questions that approximately 80,000 students in grade 5 were required to answer as part of the SOL assessments. These…

This study explores the applicability of the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale (CDMSE) to Chinese college students. The reliability and validity of the scale are examined using two independent samples (128 students from a polytechnic institute and 157 students from a teacher's college in China). The results indicate that the CDMSE is…

This publication presents information about the technical characteristics of the 1997 Florida Writing Assessment Program, Grades 4, 8, and 10. Descriptive and statistical information is provided for the census assessment, and the procedures used in prompt development, pilot testing, field testing, scoring, and item banking are reviewed. The…

Two graduate-level educational administration courses, one delivered by computer-mediated (distributed) means and one held face-to-face, were evaluated based upon the needs of adult learners and active learning precepts. The same course was delivered to both classes by the same group of professors, using identical course requirements. The…

The purpose of this paper is to examine how well-prepared vocational educators are to teach courses and programs that reflect the emphasis on academic skills in the Perkins III legislation. The paper examines the academic skills and pedagogical knowledge of elementary, secondary and secondary vocational candidates to assess how well-prepared…

This bulletin is one of a series reporting the findings of investigations undertaken during 1936-37 under the Project in Research in Universities of the Office of Education. The project was financed under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935, and conducted in accordance with administrative regulations of the Works Progress…

Results from the third national mathematics assessment indicate that the decline in performance of 17 year olds between 1973 and 1978 has leveled out over the last four years, and 13 year olds' performance improved significantly between 1978 and 1982. However, most gains were on lower-order skills. (MNS)

Compares five commonly used English-Spanish language dominance instruments according to area of language measured, domain assessed, developmental comparability, and language variety or dialect. Examines the proficiency information provided and the validity, reliability, and norming of the instruments. Concludes that the tests are not comparable…

Describes 10 computer programs (available from authors), including graphics display of molecular structure, cyclohexane stereo chemistry, calculation of thermodynamics properties of chemical reactions, and others. Also described graphical display of chemical interactive programs using a programmable calculator and discusses distribution of…

Presents an annotated list of 27 computer-oriented references for researchers and for teachers using computers in the classroom. Resources focus on various aspects of mathematics curriculum/instruction as well as research studies. The former include teaching calculus with computers, guidelines for using computers in statistical instruction, and…

Presents a practical, flexible framework for teaching communicative competence. Examples of objectives, materials, activities, and testing procedures are from the first-year German courses at the University of Arizona but are largely applicable to foreign language instruction in general. (EKN)

The problems and competing claims within American education are discussed by the U.S. Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell, including: creation science, textbook censorship, excellence in education, the value of testing, student financial aid, and the government's role in education. (Author/MLW)

The development of a low cost input system is discussed in terms of the appropriateness of imposing program-controlled answering strategies on candidates attempting a conventional multiple choice objective question achievement test. Systems used for the management of learning and strategies students use to answer tests are highlighted. (Author/EJS)

Contains 11 articles about educational testing focused on the topics of guidance and information management, student achievement, mathematics teaching/learning, test score interpretation, alternatives to standardized testing, evaluation of multicultural and exceptional children, learning/cognitive training assessment models, and "blue…

Philosophical, technical, and practical considerations in selecting and evaluating educational tests for exceptional children are discussed. The following major technical considerations are addressed: validity, reliability, sensitivity, appropriateness, objectivity, and feasibility. (SEW)