This paper extracts the characteristics of the view of ability in educational practices during the period of rapid growth in Japan, focusing on the influence of these perceptions on the Ministry of Education's educational policies. The analysis draws on the debate about "vocational aptitude tests" and "observation guidance."…

This paper details a systematic process that links industry and competency-based institutions' ability to create a more diverse talent pipeline while connecting learners to high-demand jobs. To remain competitive, competency-based institutions must closely align with industry and the government to keep their content up to date and relevant to…

Many educators comfortably embrace the myth that the military will enlist any and all high school graduates who are interested. However, a new analysis from The Education Trust reports that too many of the nation's high school graduates have not been adequately prepared to serve in the U.S. Army. In "Shut Out of the Military," the…

An adaptive testing method is presented that controls the speededness of a test using predictions of the test takers' response times on the candidate items in the pool. Two different types of predictions are investigated: posterior predictions given the actual response times on the items already administered and posterior predictions that use the…

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) involves an idea of "making learning visible"--of valuing knowledge irrespective of how, when and where it is learnt. This is a phenomenographic analysis of how a group of caretakers from a Swedish property management company experience participation in an RPL initiative focusing on their vocational competence.…

The authors explain how they measured reliability of the Florida Vocational Assessment Performance Tests. They used the Index of Dependability, developed by Brennan and Kane, and selected a variety of cut-off scores to ascertain reliability of the measures at different levels. (CH)

A lognormal model for the response times of a person on a set of test items is investigated. The model has a parameter structure analogous to the two-parameter logistic response models in item response theory, with a parameter for the speed of each person as well as parameters for the time intensity and discriminating power of each item. It is…

The project reported here consisted of a sensitivity review of the items of Forms 11, 12, and 13 of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Because administration of this battery is a required step in the accession process, it should be free from perceived bias or offensiveness that could detract from the measurement process. In…

This monograph focuses on rating scales and other similar instruments being used in applied rehabilitation settings. The first of two major sections presents a general discussion of rating scales and their use. Specifically, this section includes subparts dealing with (1) reasons for using rating instruments, (2) the types of rating scales, (3)…

Evaluates the third edition of the Occupational Aptitude Survey and Interest Schedule, designed to assist students in eighth grade through postsecondary school settings in self-exploration, vocational exploration, and career development. Concludes that the OASIS-3 provides time- and cost-effective methods for assessing a number of abilities and…

The United States Employment Service (USES) Specific Aptitude Test Battery (SATB) for Customer-Service Representative is evaluated from three points of view: (1) technical adequacy of the research; (2) fairness to minorities; and (3) usefulness of the battery to Employment Service staff and employers in selecting individuals for training in…

The United States Employment Service (USES) Specific Aptitude Test Battery (SATB) for Gambling Dealer is evaluated from three points of view: (1) technical adequacy of the research; (2) fairness to minorities; and (3) usefulness of the battery to Job Service staff and employers in selecting individuals for training as Gambling Dealers. Research…

The United States Employment Service (USES) Specific Aptitude Test Battery (SATB) for Carpenter is evaluated from three points of view: (1) technical adequacy of the research; (2) fairness to minorities; and (3) usefulness of the battery to United States Employment Service staff and employers in selecting individuals for Carpenter positions.…

Researchers investigating the decline of potential applicants for principalships have demonstrated that teachers perceive there to be a significant problem in current selection procedures. This article reports an investigation in two Australian states into principal selection. Drawing on a corpus of interviews, two case studies and administrative…

Offers a practical evaluation and a technical evaluation of a military-generated career exploration program. Concludes that the instrument is a superb example of a multiple-aptitude battery due to its psychometrics, extensive norming data, and excellent materials. Cautions against adoption of instrument for civilian use without further testing.…