International large-scale student assessments (ILSAs) in education represent a valuable source of information for policy-makers, not only on student achievements, but also on their relationship with different contextual factors. The results are partly described in the official studies' reports; more can be derived from the publicly released data…

In this rejoinder, the authors describe the aim of the original study as an effort to conduct a critical test of an important postulate underlying the Cross-Battery Assessment PSW approach (XBA PSW; Kranzler, Floyd, Benson, Zaboski, & Thibodaux, this issue). The authors used classification agreement analysis to examine the concordance between…

Not much is known about the ways in which assessment data have actually been used in education policy to date. Understanding the role of assessments in informing system-level decision-making is a first step towards helping stakeholders improve the design and usefulness of assessments. Moreover, this understanding can help to further discussions…

Aim: To identify the use and utility of language comprehension tests for unintelligible or non-speaking children with severe cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Severe CP was defined as severe dysarthria (unintelligible speech) or anarthria (absence of speech) combined with severe limited mobility, corresponding to Gross Motor Function Classification…

A client of American College Testing, Inc. (ACT) decided to implement a computer-based testing program to replace their paper-pencil format for professional certification. This paper reports on the results of the developed test after 1 year's use, especially as the results relate to test security issues. ACT research shows that a variable length…

Describes results of research by the Test User Qualifications Working Group that can be applied to improving testing practices, including 86 test use competencies and 7 factors accounting for misuse; a test classification system; and empirically based test purchaser qualification forms. (SLD)

This paper presents a method for estimating the accuracy and consistency of classifications based on test scores. The scores can be produced by any scoring method, including the formation of a weighted composite. The estimates use data from a single form. The reliability of the score is used to estimate its effective test length in terms of…

The Response to Conflict Scale, a 24-item measure of maladaptive responses to marital conflict, was evaluated psychometrically with 420 couples. The inventory showed high internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct and discriminant validity, and classification efficiency. Clinical utility is discussed. (SLD)

Methods of adjusting group differences in assessment and test scores are described, classified, and evaluated. Investigation of the relationship between intended use of test scores and the appropriate meaning of scores is essential for fair treatment in assessment. (SLD)

Application of person-fit statistics to cognitive diagnosis requires special efforts to detect normal and usual response patterns resulting from sources of misconception that are frequently observed among students. This study shows a solution for the problem by introducing an extension of a person-fit statistic developed by K. Tatsuoka (1985).…

This article is an extension of the table of allocation averages devised by H. E. Brogden and presented in "Educational and Psychological Measurement" in 1959. The current table deals with up to 1000 jobs and rejection rates ranging from 0 to 90%. (Author/SLD)

Studied the use of adaptive testing when examinees are classified into three categories. Established testing algorithms with two different statistical computation procedures and evaluated them through simulation using an operative item bank from Dutch basic adult education. Results suggest a reduction of at least 22% in the mean number of items…

A study of the Myers-Briggs personality types for graduating pharmacy students and faculty found gender and type differences among and between students and faculty. It is suggested that both students and faculty must be sensitive to and understand the preferences of the other group to maximize teaching and learning. (Author/MSE)

As high-stakes use of tests increases, it becomes vital that test developers and test users communicate clearly about the accuracy and limitations of the scores generated by a test after it is assembled and used. A procedure is described for portraying the accuracy of test scores. It can be used in setting accuracy targets during form construction…

Tables for testing clinical hypotheses about counseling clients are presented, and their use is described. Primary uses are determining a critical value or cutoff score on a predictor that can be used to classify an individual as a member of a clinical group, and instructing those unfamiliar with the limitations of tests about the conditions under…