Six modifications of minimum competency tests were found to enhance performance of 345 learning disabled third graders. Modifications included administering fewer subsections of the test per session, grouping similar skill items in sequential order of difficulty, and using symbols to organize the flow of items within the test. (CL)

Analysis of minimum competency testing administered in 1973 to handicapped students in North Carolina demonstrated the need to devise an acceptable alternative for students with little chance of success. The unknown effects of test modifications for different handicaps was found to be another problem. (CL)

Suggestions and recommendations are made for using the Perkins-Binet Tests of Intelligence for the Blind for low vision and blind children. Suggestions cover such aspects as organization and preparation prior to administration and scoring. (CL)

This paper demonstrates that multiple comparison tests using a pooled error term are dependent on the circularity assumption and shows how to compute tests which are insensitive (robust) to this assumption. (Author/GK)

The Jastak System of obtaining scores on "personality" dimensions is currently widely promoted. It is shown to be totally spurious, based on hereditarian doctrines long in disrepute, and dangerous in use. The promotional techniques used are also described. (Author)

Essentially a do-it-yourself-kit for security in a citywide testing program, this article presents a step-by-step description of what was done by the Office of Educational Evaluation in New York City to redress a serious testing problem. (JC)

This study was conducted to determine how items of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Form L-M, had performed in the 1930's standardization sample in comparison with the 1972 standardization sample. (SB)

Recent simulations have shown that, for a given sample size, the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) variances tend to be larger when items are administered to randomly selected examinees than when they are administered adaptively. Results suggest that adaptive testing may lead to more efficient application of MH differential item functioning analyses. (SLD)

Examined the case of adaptive testing under a multidimensional response model with large numbers of constraints on the content of the test and items selected using a shadow test approach. Illustrated the procedure with five different cases of multidimensionality that differ in the numbers of ability dimensions and test structure with respect of…

A description is proved of guidelines for physical fitness testing of older adults and procedures for administering the functional fitness test battery created by the AAHPERD Fitness Task Force. (IAH)

Asserts that the most powerful assessment occurs in the classroom. Argues that assessment instruments must be used in a social context and for a social purpose. States that it is unfortunate that the critical and reflective aspects of responsible assessment are the most vulnerable in a context of high profile accountability testing. (PRA)

According to 422 responses from 840 adult basic education teachers, (1) they perceive formal testing effective in fulfilling planned functions; (2) its chief problems are students' affective responses and discrimination against special learning needs; and (3) teacher background variables were not related to responses, that is, advanced education…

Reviews optimal test-assembly literature and introduces the contributions to this special issue. Discusses four approaches to computerized test assembly: (1) heuristic-based test assembly; (2) 0-1 linear programming; (3) network-flow programming; and (4) an optimal design approach. Contains a bibliography of 90 sources on test assembly.…

Applied optimal design methods to the item-bank design of adaptive testing for continuous testing situations using a version of the weighted-deviations model (M. Stocking and L. Swanson, 1993) in a simulation. Independent and overlapping item banks used items more efficiently than did a large item bank. (SLD)

Scores of 125 adolescents on the Coping with Career Indecision, Problem Solving Inventory, Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale, Career Decision Scale, Career Barriers Inventory, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were subjected to factor and cluster analyses. Four dimensions were identified related to level of agency (low/high) and…