Derives a set of linear conditions of item-response functions that guarantees identical observed-score distributions on two test forms. The conditions can be added as constraints to a linear programming model for test assembly. An example illustrates the use of the model for an item pool from the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). (SLD)

Developed a scale of cultural tolerance, examined the latent structure of the scale, and determined its relationship to other relevant constructs. Results with samples of 262, 165, and 86 college students suggest a two-dimensional structure of items assessing affect and belief and items assessing intention to behave. Contains 41 references. (SLD)

Developed a brief self-report inventory to evaluate treatment outcome for anorexia and bulimia nervosa, the Multifactorial Assessment of Eating Disorders, and evaluated the instrument in a series of studies involving 1,054 women. Results support a stable factor structure and satisfactory reliability and validity, and establish normative data. (SLD)

Developed a measure of conversational experience and comfort, the Speaking Extent and Comfort Scale (SPEACS). Results with 400 undergraduates show that all four SPEACS subscales have good test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Discusses use of the measure in studies of social networks, social experience, and other dimensions of…

Although an Illinois district had worked successfully with the Thoughtful Education model for instructional and curriculum reform, its tests still focused students' attention on grades. Using personalized learning principles stressing choice, understanding, motivation, engagement, critical thinking, and reflection, faculty created tests compatible…

Reports the multistage development of the Community Service Attitudes Scale, an instrument for measuring college students' attitudes toward community service. Analysis of scores for samples of 437 and 332 students yields strong reliability evidence, and principal components analysis supports the helping behavior model of S. Schwartz. (SLD)

Describes the development and validation of the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Sexist/Nonsexist Language (IASNL), which was based on a conceptual framework related to beliefs about language, recognition of sexist language, and willingness to use inclusive language. Results from four studies indicated that the IASNL was valid and reliable. Two short…

Describes the design and implementation of a computer-based listening test--the "Text dictation." The article first discusses the importance of listening centering on a coherent text, rather than short listening fragments, and discusses drawbacks of listening programs wherein the required responses consist of noninteractive test types, such as…

A self-report measure, the Coping with Health Injuries and Problems Scale (CHIP), was developed to identify basic coping dimensions for responding to health problems. The CHIP factor structure, established with samples of 532 adults and 598 adults in Canada, is cross-validated with 390 general medical patients and 286 chronic back pain patients.…

The Adolescent Attachment Questionnaire, an assessment of attachment characteristics in adolescents, was developed and validated with a normative sample of 691 adolescents and 133 adolescents in psychiatric treatment. Internal reliability and agreement for the 91 sample members who completed the scale twice were adequate. (SLD)

The time demands of authentic tasks and consistent scoring pose technical and practical challenges. Involving teachers in test development and scoring helps them grasp what is expected, gain familiarity with examples of standards-based practice, and discover new ways to assess their students' work. Costs are considerably higher than for…

The two articles in this special section, combined with two previous articles, discuss the use of portfolios in large-scale assessment. Ten years ago, there was great interest in portfolio assessment in state testing programs, but no large-scale program relies on portfolios at the present time. These articles continue to consider their uses. (SLD)

Describes the many causes of pressure to change large-scale assessment in the United States and suggests that the largest factor facilitating change will be technological, especially the use of the Internet. The Internet will help revolutionize the business and substance of large-scale assessment. (SLD)

Discusses the basic concepts of testing and item development and the application of alternative assessments to information literacy content for library instruction. Topics include reliability; validity; statistical analysis; selected response, including checklists, rank order, or simple match; constructed response; essays; and complex assessments.…

A self-report, paper-and-pencil version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Depression Inventory, was developed and tested with 140 depressed adults, 99 adults with anxiety disorders, and 118 nonreferred adults. Overall, data support the reliability and validity of the new measure. (SLD)