To identify a procedure for establishing cut scores for National Occupational Competency Testing Institute examinations in Pennsylvania, an expert panel assessed written and performance test items for minimally competent workers. Recommendations about the number, type, and training of judges used were made. (Contains 18 references.) (SK)

This special issue is devoted to current developments in multidimensional item response theory (MIRT). The six papers included in this issue (and two for the March issue) present applications of MIRT to practical testing problems and demonstrate innovative MIRT techniques for assessment. (SLD)

Compared student performance on computer-based assessment to machine-graded multiple choice tests. Found that performance improved dramatically on the computer-based assessment when students were not required to scroll through the question paper. Concluded that students may be disadvantaged by the introduction of online assessment unless care is…

The continuing interest in standardized testing alternatives suggests that the make-a-better-mousetrap mentality still flourishes in education and employment assessment circles. Some promising new testing technologies might broaden the range of human talents assessed. However, educators must refuse to accept bondage to any single technology, no…

Three ethical-legal case incidents involving computer-assisted psychodiagnostic assessment in the schools are presented. Each case is analyzed in terms of applicable laws, ethical codes, and standards for professional practice. (Author)

Discusses the problem of state and local annual achievement testing of children whose parents choose to teach them at home. Discusses test security and administration. Suggests that parents need clear guidelines on state and local testing requirements. (NH)

The Joint Committee on Testing Practices has completed the "Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education," which is meant for the public and focuses on the proper use of tests in education--admissions, educational assessment and diagnosis, and student placement. The Code separately addresses test developers' and users' roles. (SLD)

Assessed equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer versions of the Self-Directed Search (SDS) for 62 college students. The results showed a significant positive correlation in SDS scores for the two SDS forms; however, users strongly preferred the computer format. (Author)

This paper suggests several item selection criteria for adaptive testing that are all based on the use of the true posterior. Some of the ability estimators produced by these criteria are discussed and empirically criticized. (SLD)

This survey of recent developments in language testing offers a broad view of the field by focusing on significant developments that have occurred in the last half decade, including theoretical developments, practical developments, and recent resources. (Author/VWL)

Provides a broad overview of computerized testing issues with an emphasis on computer-adaptive testing (CAT). A survey of the potential benefits and drawbacks of CAT are given, the process of CAT development is described; and some L2 instruments developed to assess various language skills are summarized. (Author/VWL)

Studied the cross-mode equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer-based clerical tests with 141 undergraduates. Found no differences across modes for the two types of tests. Differences can be minimized when speeded computerized tests follow the same administration and response procedures as the paper format. (SLD)

Compared results from computer-adaptive and self-adaptive tests under conditions in which item review was and was not permitted for 379 college students. Results suggest that, when given the opportunity, most examinees will change answers, but usually only to a small portion of items, resulting in some benefit to the test taker. (SLD)

Examined the effect of taking open-ended tests on computers and on paper for students with different levels of computer skill using items from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System and the National Assessment of Educational Progress for 287 middle school students. Results suggest a large effect of mode of administration on student…

A simulation study was conducted to investigate the application of expected a posteriori (EAP) trait estimation in computerized adaptive tests (CAT) based on the partial credit model and compare it with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Results show the conditions under which EAP and MLE provide relatively accurate estimation in CAT. (SLD)