Assessed the dimensionality of two forms of a large-scale standardized test separately for three ethnic groups of examinees. Investigated whether differences in their latent trait composites have impacts on unidimensional item response theory true-score equating functions. On both forms, a two-dimensional model accounted for item responses of…

This paper presents six steps in test construction generally recommended by measurement textbook authors. The focus is primarily on paper-and-pencil achievement tests as used by class instructions, although the discussion touches on the construction of other types of assessment. The six steps are: (1) determine the test purpose; (2) determine the…

The admissions decisions of a university are one of its four "essential freedoms," and the courts, as a general rule, defer to universities' judgments regarding academic decisions. In many cases, the courts have said that admissions standards cannot be high-handed, arbitrary, or formulated in bad faith, and they must fall within constitutionally…

The K-ABC purports to be a fresh alternative to standardized measures of intellectual functioning, by virtue of separating measurement of acquired factual knowledge from measurement of the ability to solve novel problems. Some researchers have questioned this claim to the capability of distinguishing aptitude and achievement. By analyzing the…

Data from research studies seem to support the validity of teacher judgments of student achievement; however, there are unresolved issues, including the focus of the judgment, the external validity or credibility of the assessment, and the process of the assessment itself. To achieve maximum benefits from this form of assessment/teaching…

The search for solutions to the perceived failures of American education of recent years indicates that the public senses there is something wrong with the educational system. Educators must examine testing in light of the fact that schools are getting poor results in terms of student achievement and, perhaps, change their view of what tests…

A sample of 97 directors of public school standardized testing programs received mail surveys for the purpose of identifying the nature and extent of their training in educational measurement and evaluation, the number and types of State certifications held, the nature of their primary job assignment, and their job responsibilities associated with…

The paper examines issues, philosophy and guidelines for psychological assessment of the disabled. Focused on are: (1) adjustments in testing procedures and (2) applicability of standard norms with commonly used psychological test instruments for the assessment of ability, interest, and personality. The importance of accurate assessment for…

Reports and commentary in the media concerning the use of psychological tests in educational, clinical, and business/industrial contexts have become commonplace in recent years. The Gallup polls over the past 15 years indicate that the American people as a whole are in favor of requiring all students to pass a high school graduation examination,…

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were administered to 134 emotionally disturbed children (9-15 years old), 323 hearing impaired children (6-13 years old), and 185 visually handicapped children (6-13 years old). Respondents were residential program staff familiar with the children's daily activities. Scores were computed for six domains:…

The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills, Form U, is scored in two ways: number-correct and pattern. The latter makes use of the information about which particular items are answered correctly, giving more weight to the more discriminating items and making allowances for guessing. Critics have suggested that black students are penalized by pattern…

This paper addresses three questions policymakers may have concerning the results of the Project STAR data. First, when reducing class size, is there a "turning point" at which class size reductions lead to increased gains in student achievement? Second, do small classes help low socioeconomic status "at risk" students more…

Questions have been raised about what criteria to use in selecting, training, and hiring teachers, and when those measures should be taken--at the time of entrance to teacher preparation programs or at the end of training and at the time of certification. Another question concerns the demonstrated teaching competency of the teachers selected and…

The assessment of the changes in knowledge about aging is essential to the development of aging courses and curricula. The present instrument was designed to reliably and validly measure various areas of information about aging. An item pool was gathered by examining texts and printed materials and consulting with persons specializing in…

The relationship between American College Testing Program (ACT) and California Test of Mental Maturity (CTMM) scores were explored. Four hundred and thirty-four undergraduate subjects of both sexes were selected from a midwestern university. Pearson product moment correlation (r) and Kendall rank correlation coefficient (tau) were used to measure…