A model-testing approach for evaluating the stability of item response theory item parameter estimates (IPEs) in a pretest-posttest design is illustrated. Nineteen items from the Head Start Measures Battery were used. A moderately high degree of stability in the IPEs for 5,510 children assessed on 2 occasions was found. (TJH)

The development and testing of a measure of pharmacy student performance in the clinical setting is described. Participating faculty refined an instrument for its ability to measure eight behavioral objectives of patient presentation. Items were of Likert or dichotomous format and measured problem-solving and communication skills. (Author/MSE)

Two parent report inventories geared at assessing language skills in toddlers are examined, in terms of reliability, validity, and application. The MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Toddlers and the Language Development Survey are compared and their combined use in handicap identification is discussed. (PB)

Three variations of a least squares regression model are presented that are suitable for determining and correcting for rating error in designs in which examinees are evaluated by a subset of possible raters. Models are applied to ratings from 4 administrations of a medical certification examination in which 40 raters and approximately 115…

Reports on a project that investigated, by means of interviews, the information needs, information-gathering strategies, and information use of 10 urban and 9 rural community groups in Australia. Highlights include accuracy and reliability as criteria by all groups, rural groups' perceptions of being disadvantaged, and the importance of public…

One college teacher has devised a method of peer assessment of student presentations that has decreased the spread of grades given to individuals by other class members and enhanced the correlation of peer and teacher assessments. Four aspects of the presentation are graded: knowledge; body language; voice; and overall effect. (Author/MSE)

Reports initial construct validity and reliability of a new measure of the organizational/supervisory climate of schools. The new measure contained six subscales validated by using three recognized indices of school effectiveness: school productivity, organizational effectiveness, and school holding power. Results support the OSCI's validity and…

Validity of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale (PGIS) is tested by considering relations among the PGIS, ways of growing, gender-role orientation, and psychological well-being. Individuals' (N=169) ability to distinguish ways of growing in their lives that are in awareness, intentional, or both is related to gender-role orientation. (Author/EMK)

This article describes the second edition of the Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (ADDES II), an individually administered behavior rating scale developed to assist in the identification and service of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Its purpose, administration, interpretation of scores, standardization,…

The Silver Drawing Test of Cognition and Emotion was standardized for Brazilian children (N=2,000). ANOVA results are presented for age and education groups from early grades on, including distinguishing adult education levels; results are compared for U.S. and Brazilian populations. Growth in test scores, emotional content responses, and…

The pervasiveness of information technology in higher education requires rethinking notions of student, course, curriculum, and other traditional concepts and processes of instruction. This article discusses Internet issues (access, portability, reliability, reboot priorities and back-up communications, student preparedness) and describes new…

This study, utilizing data from 208 educators, obtained estimates of the reliability of the four subscale version of the 40-item Computer Attitude Scale (CAS); provided detailed information regarding the factor patterns of the CAS subscales; and provided evidence about the differential validity of the CAS among four groups with differing intensity…

Investigates communicative intent in 31 toddlers who were slow to talk and 32 normally developing toddlers matched on SES, age, and nonverbal cognitive ability. Communicative intent was studied during free play, both with the mother and with an unfamiliar examiner. Late talkers relied more on nonword vocalization, gestures, and gesture/oral…

Summarizes the recent history of education reform and statewide testing in Texas. Suggest that analyses comparing Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) reading, writing, and mathematics scores with one another and relevant high school grades raise doubts about the reliability and validity of TAAS scores. Discusses these problems. (SLD)

This study examined preliminary psychometric properties of the Teaching Practices Observation Scale (TPOS), a newly developed observational taxonomy for assessing teacher behaviors during free play with young children. Behaviors of 42 child caregivers and junior kindergarten teachers were coded using a combination of time-sampling, event-sampling,…