We administered two instruments designed to assess and predict teacher effectiveness, the TeacherInsight Interview (TI) and the Renaissance Teacher Work Sample (TWS), to student teachers (N = 396) at a large comprehensive institution in the Southeastern United States to investigate whether TWS performance predicts TI scores. We first investigated…

Teacher work samples (TWS) are an integrated, comprehensive assessment tool that can be used as evidence of a beginning teacher's readiness to teach. Unlike linear assessments used to determine teaching effectiveness, TWS are relevant and reflective of "real" teaching. They are designed to exhibit a clear relationship among teacher candidate…

Teacher Work Samples (TWS) can be viewed in terms of a product and a process. As a product, the TWS measures a teacher candidate's (TC's) ability to promote student achievement, documents that TCs have met minimum national standards, and validates teacher education programs. Teacher candidates engage in observable, job-related behaviors that serve…

The Trainee Performance Sample, a vocational skills assessment instrument, was revised to enhance content validity and utility in making vocational skill learning placements for severely retarded individuals. (Author)

An activity-oriented programmed examination describes an actual occupational situation involving a typical work assignment. It is a promising way to measure occupational competence through written examinations. (SK)

This study explores the efforts at Brigham Young University to improve preservice candidates' technology integration using the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) as an assessment tool. Baseline data that was analyzed from 95 TWSs indicated that students were predominantly using technology for productivity and information presentation purposes even though…

Included in the review are work samples; the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service Evaluation System; the Singer Evaluation System; the Testing, Orientation, and Work Evaluation in Rehabilitation System; and the Systematic Approach to Vocational Evaluation System. (Author)

Compares three competence assessment strategies that differ in the forms and amounts of evidence required and process of obtaining it: (1) performance samples; (2) workplace observations; and (3) evidence of prior achievements. Concludes that performance evidence may need to be supplemented with prior observations or achievement records and that…

Collaboration between special educators and vocational evaluators can begin with vocational assessment which consists of three major aspects: work sampling, psychometric testing, and critical observation of behaviors. Assessment results can result in improved academic programing, career exploration activities, or modified IEPs. (CL)

Describes miniature job training and evaluation situations administered to 1,034 "low aptitude" Navy recruits. Checklist criterion data describing the on-the-job performance of the sample were collected after the recruits were on their fleet assignments. The results confirmed the predictive validity of the miniature job training…

Comprehensive career assessment of handicapped students takes into account medical, psychoeducational, interest and aptitude information, work and job samples, and situational assessment. School-based career assessment programs are described in Texas, New York, Maryland, and Missouri. The author suggests that such programs will become vital parts…

Reviews factors that determine sample size, recommended sample sizes, recommended procedures for determining the appropriate sample size, and sample sizes reported in published and unpublished evaluations. (Author)

Student learning must be touchstone by which teachers and teacher educators are gauged. Unfortunately articles in November 1996 "Kappan" on "Quality Teaching for the 21st Century" don't support this statement. In contrast to three national certification initiatives, Oregon's teacher licensure system (Oregon Work Sampling…

Recent accountability efforts at state and national levels highlight the importance of preparing future teacher in the skills required to produce sound classroom assessments that are capable of improving student learning through informed instruction. Stiggins (1995) suggests that the quality of classroom assessments will not improve unless teacher…

Describes steps in trainability test administration: (1) teaching applicant essential job elements, (2) having applicant perform job tasks unaided, and (3) evaluating the performance. Discusses test selection, availability, and effectiveness. (CSS)