Assessments represent an important component of undergraduate courses because they affect how students interact with course content and gauge student achievement of course objectives. To make decisions on assessment design, instructors must understand the affordances and limitations of available question formats. Here, we use a crossover…

The goal of the current study was to introduce a new stopping rule for computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The predicted standard error reduction (PSER) stopping rule uses the predictive posterior variance to determine the reduction in standard error that would result from the administration of additional items. The performance of the PSER was…

Describes an attempt to develop a method for predicting success in learning shorthand skills. Results indicated that complex perceptual psychomotor skills, like shorthand, are predicted better when a complex multitask battery is used than when traditional methods of testing are used alone. (BM)

Examines practices that encourage false negatives and false positives on licensing and certification tests designed to protect the public. Recommends increasing the amount of testing or raising the required passing score for repeat test takers. (FMW)

The current study examines the views of experts in the science of mental abilities about the primacy and uniqueness of "g" and the social implications of ability testing, and compares their responses to the views of a group of non-expert psychologists. Results indicate expert consensus that "g" is an important, non-trivial determinant (or at least…

A method of assessment using six one-hour tests, with provision to repeat four of them, is described. Performance in the course, high school background, and the first test's results are used to determine entry criteria for the course. (MSE)

Presents study administered to Egyptian FL students to identify optimal combinations and weights of subscales of English language proficiency for predicting ESL proficiency while following constraints posed by syllabus. Results show error identification, grammar accuracy, vocabulary, and composition as best predictors. (Author/BK)

A decision-making or utility theory model (which deals effectively with affirmative action goals and allows standardized tests to be placed in the service of those goals) is discussed as an alternative to traditional predictive admissions. (Author/PN)

A three-year study yielded data on the characteristics and progress of 44 preschool children with developmental delays of uncertain etiology. Findings support the use of traditional developmental tests for assessing developmental status. Analyses across time suggest that three assessments are needed before confident prediction is possible about…

The Learning Potential Assessment Device and Instrumental Enrichment are two much needed improvements in education. Used in tandem, they rectify previous problems of testing and teaching by providing an unbiased assessment device which does not rely on labels for categories of learners. (VM)

Discusses attempts made in the United States and elsewhere to develop prognostic tests that would justify decisions to exclude unqualified students from high school foreign-language classes. After the Second World War, U.S. government language programs supported research in the assessment of language aptitude to improve selection techniques. (36…

Investigates the utility of the Early Screening Profiles to differentiate between preschoolers at risk for cognitive delays and non-risk preschoolers. The Total Screening score, by itself, was found to correctly classify approximately 81% of the preschoolers. In separate analysis, the Cognitive/Language and Motor profiles were required to maintain…

Self-assessments combined with achievements and test scores lead to increased accuracy and fairness in examining, but require adjustment for degree of understanding of the element to be rated. This kind of analysis appears promising for studies designed to reduce adverse impact of tests. (Author)

Compares the predictive performances of the Illinois CANTS 17B and the Washington State Risk Matrix on a sample of New Jersey child protective services cases using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Both instruments predict case recidivism, closings, and substantiation with probabilities greater than chance.…

Five-year follow-up study examined the predictive validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) for 39 children identified during preschool as exhibiting language impairment (n=10), behavior control deficits (n=13), or normal language and behavioral development (n=16). Results generally supported the predictive validity of the…