Monte Carlo simulation procedures were used to study the psychometric characteristics of two two-stage adaptive tests and a conventional "peaked" ability test. Results showed that scores yielded by both two-stage tests better reflected the normal distribution of underlying ability. Ability estimates yielded by one of the two stage tests…

Criterion-referenced tests developed for four programs in the Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) Kindergarten Curriculum are presented. Tests were developed to meet the following criteria: (1) they must accurately and thoroughly reflect the objectives and learning activities of the program, (2) when appropriate, they must be designed to allow…

This collection of papers, concerned with the nature and theory of intelligence, forms part of a project to integrate test and factor theory with the empirical, functional relationships involving standard intelligence tests. The project will render more objective the use of factor analysis in personnel research. A definition of intelligence…

The conceptual basis for using individual expectancy scores as a means for determining the success of instruction is presented. An expected gain score is computed for each student, based on a pretest score. The assumption is made that without a change in the learning environment the student will continue to gain at his previous average rate. The…

The present study was designed to (1) investigate the changes in the structure and organization of mental abilities during childhood and adolescence of 514 students as sampled by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (5 to 15 years) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (16 to 18 Years) and (2) interpret, and possibly modify, the…

Examines the validity of estimates of instructional reading level produced by the Reading Comprehension Test of the 1986 Metropolitan Achievement Tests (MAT). Compares reading level estimates provided by the MAT, basal reader placement tests, an informal reading inventory, and classroom teachers' judgments. Suggests that each method, because of…

This paper demonstrates that an electronic tutoring program can collect data that enables a far more reliable assessment of students' skills than a standard examination. Socratic electronic homework tutor, CyberTutor can integrate effectively instruction and assessment. CyberTutor assessment has about 62 times less variance due to random test…

Explored the relationship between high school students' (N=37) performances on the Tomlinson-Keasey and Campbell paper-and-pencil test of formal operations and a set of traditional, individually administered, Piagetian developmental tasks. Correlations between the traditional, formal operations tasks and paper-and-pencil tests were low. (Author/DS)

The accuracy of estimation of the subjects' latent ability maintained by tailoring for each testee the order of item presentation and the border of item dichotomization was compared to the information provided by the original graded test items. (RC)

This guide provides a framework for planning the triennial evaluation of students in the state of New York who receive special education services to determine whether there is a continuing need for those services. Following an introductory section which explains the rationale and basic requirements for such an evaluation, recommendations are made…

Twenty-three high school biology students were individually administered three conservation tasks (weight, volume, volume displacement). During one semester, they were examined over the course material using published Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Blue Version examination questions which were previously classified as requiring either…

Some evidence supports the hypothesis that formal operational reasoning ability (at least that measured by Piagetian tasks) is a unified process. The purpose of this research was to determine: (1) if conservation tasks, such as conservation of number, liquid amount, weight and volume, are unifactor; and (2) if conservation tasks form a scale of…

This technical note describes part of the work done to develop student achievement tests in reading and mathematics for use in a later phase of the Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study. While the achievement battery consists primarily of group-administered multiple-choice test items, several individual-testing studies were conducted to examine the…

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE ORAL READING OF FIRST-, SECOND-, AND THIRD-GRADE CHILDREN IS REPORTED. THE STUDY TREATS READING AS A PSYCHOLINGUISTIC PROCESS WHICH IS CUED OR MISCUED DURING THE CHILD'S INTERACTION WITH WRITTEN LANGUAGE. THE SUBJECTS WERE 100 CHILDREN ATTENDING THE SAME SCHOOL IN A DETROIT INDUSTRIAL SUBURB. EVERY SECOND CHILD ON AN…

The University of Iowa has been involved with the development, implementation, and operation of computer-based test-item pools and a test construction and course management system titled IPSIM (Iowa's Item Pool System for Instructional Management), originally devised for a freshman medical course in the Pathology Department of the College of…