A fairly large number of different methods exist for evaluating comparisons or null hypothetical contrasts. Because it is difficult to choose among them, this paper develops a 2 by 2 classification of the methods. The first dimension of the classification is decision-based error rate vs. experimentwise error rate. The second dimension is planned…

The purposes of this paper are five-fold to discuss: (1) when item response theory (IRT) equating methods should provide better results than traditional methods; (2) which IRT model, the three-parameter logistic or the one-parameter logistic (Rasch), is the most reasonable to use; (3) what unique contributions IRT methods can offer the equating…

The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) was administered to 109 students newly enrolled at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Consistent with earlier reserch literature, test results indicated that the deaf students had lower levels of self esteem than did the normative hearing population. Subsequent interviews with 30 members of the…

Common practices regarding competency testing for handicapped students have ranged from inclusion and exclusion to selective inclusion based on handicapping condition. Factors involved in deciding about minimum competency testing include conceptualizing the categories of handicaps into two groups: students who require a modified learning…

A particular strategy for investigating effects resulting from a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is proposed. The strategy involves multiple two-group multivariate analyses. The two groups result from considering multivariate pairwise group contrasts or multivariate complex group contrasts. Assuming a given two-group analysis yields…

In the light of research by Epstein (1979) (which reported that error of measurement in the analysis of behavior stability may be reduced by examining the behavior of aggregate stability coefficients computed for measurements with known stability characteristics), this study examines stability coefficients for computer-generated data sets…

Educators were asked to read a description of a minimum proficiency test required for high school graduation and select a cutoff score for it. The 24 descriptions used were formed as all possible combinations of a test content, a level of student performance, a penalty for failing the test, and a community response to the test. Of the 223…

This overview of competency based education (CBE) explores some of the important policies and dimensions of CBE that go beyond the popularized notion that simple tests can be devised to make student promotion and graduation decisions or to demonstrate possession of required or desired competencies. Examined are such areas as the reasons CBE has…

The paper considers problems in current assessment and evaluation practices with learning disabled students and discusses forces for change. Among the weaknesses noted are inadequate conceptual and definitional frameworks, practitioner bias, and technical inadequacies of currently used norm referenced tests. The authors outline three factors…

The report summarizes information from a survey involving 54 state and territory directors of special education who responded to six questions regarding the following: mandated competency testing programs, individuals required to take the test, special procedures used in administering the test, awarding regular or special diplomas to handicapped…

To encourage vocational evaluation professionals to think about the importance of providing clients with occupational facts and informaton, rationale and guidelines are presented for incorporating more occupational information into the vocational evaluation process. Following a section defining occupational information and related terms, the need…

This paper examines some of the negative consequences that have occurred in school districts attempting to comply with state legislation in regard to competency testing. It analyzes four definitions of competency assessments for elementary schools and then lists several possible results of a hasty response to competency testing mandates. The paper…

A STATEWIDE PROGRAM WAS INITIATED IN WYOMING FOR THE PURPOSES OF DISCOVERING THE EXTENT OF MENTAL RETARDATION AMONG ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE STATE, DETERMINING WHERE THE MENTALLY RETARDED ARE FOUND, AND PLANNING AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THEM. GROUP MENTAL TESTS WERE APPLIED TO 67,620 CHILDREN WHICH REPRESENTED 91.8 PERCENT OF THE…

INTERRELATIONS AMONG PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES OPERATING DURING PROBLEM-SOLVING TRIALS WERE STUDIED. A SIMULTANEOUS ANALYSIS OF THESE VARIABLES AIMS AT A STUDY OF STRESSES DEVELOPING WHEN SUBJECTS ATTEMPT PROBLEM-SOLVING. QUESTION-STUDY INTERPRETIVE TECHNIQUES AND PROBLEMS REFERENCED IN EARLIER REPORTS (ED 003 005 AND ED 003 006)…

IN FOUR STUDIES TO DETERMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING CREATIVE BEHAVIOR BY MEANS OF CLASSROOM EXERCISES, THE AUTHORS COMPARED TREATMENT AND CONTROL GROUPS WITH RESPECT TO GAINS IN SCORES ON THE MINNESOTA TEST OF CREATIVE THINKING. IN THE FIRST STUDY, STUDENTS IN A CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING CLASS MADE SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER GAINS THAN THE…