Three procedures for evaluating the replicability of descriptive discriminant analysis (DDA) results are discussed. The techniques include cross-validation, the jackknife, and the bootstrap. Discriminant analysis is a multivariate technique used when group membership or classification is the focus of the analysis. DDA is used to describe major…

The study investigated selected articulation characteristics of 8- to 12-year-old children with severe hearing impairments and the relations between these characteristics and judged adequacy of spontaneous conversational speech. Correlational analyses suppport the usefulness of a single index such as that derived from a comprehensive articulation…

Data contained in the Learning Potential Assessment Device report were compared with information in a standard psychological report for value in educational programming with 146 graduate special education students. Ss rated both reports negatively. Neither report was perceived to be valuable for program planning purposes. (Author/CL)

Principals are increasingly being held accountable for student achievement in the public schools, but there are many questions about how to assess principals' achievement. There are many problems with using the results of standardized testing to assess the achievement of principals. Feedback from teachers appears to be a good way to assess the…

Each potential user must take the final responsibility for deciding whether a test can deliver what it promises in the situation in which it is to be used. A review procedure involves reading and evaluating research, studying technical manuals, taking the test, and communicating with others involved with the test. (Author/CM)

The performance characteristics of the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Exam (NCSE) (R. Kiernan and others, 1987) was studied with 50 outpatients, most with cognitive dysfunction using comprehensive neuropsychological assessment as the criterion. Results suggest that operating characteristics of the NCSE depend on the nature of the sample assessed…

Summarizes themes from the articles in this issue: distinction between evaluation and assessment, innovation, bias, integration into program delivery, and transfer. (SK)

The underlying structure of the Postconcussion Syndrome Questionnaire (PCS) was evaluated in a large sample of 1,116 medical and psychiatric patients. Balancing internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, and parsimony results in endorsement of the four-factor solution for the PCS for this sample. (SLD)

Despite their shortcomings, standardized tests provide numerical, intelligible data on how a child, school, or district is performing and vital information about patterns of strengths and weaknesses among students in a classroom, school, or district. A sensible compromise in the testing debate would be helpful. (MLH)

Provides an argument for incorporating consideration of consequences into validity theory that is grounded in the reflexive nature of social knowledge. It also calls for the consideration of evidence of validity based on the actual discourse surrounding the practices and products of testing. (SLD)

Policy makers have focused on promoting test-based accountability systems as a tool for correcting a wide variety of educational problems, including low standards, weak motivation, poor curriculum and instruction, inadequate learning, and educational equity. This article argues that the appropriateness of testing, or any other form of assessment,…

The Wechsler Memory Scale[R] (WMS-III) is a widely used measure of memory functioning that is useful in the assessment of individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse problems, among others. This book is designed to help mental health professionals acquire the knowledge and skills to use the WMS-III. The chapters are: (1)…

This chapter reviews the findings of a joint committee of the American School Counselor Association and the Association for Assessment in Counseling in the development of a document describing the assessment and evaluation competencies school counselors need. Among the skills universally considered important were making decisions about which…

The need for an independent mechanism that regulates, or audits, the testing enterprise is discussed along with a critique of current mechanisms for challenging a high-stakes test or its use and the need for independent auditing of the commercial test industry. Models for an auditing mechanism are reviewed. (SLD)

Issues related to use of "normal" personality inventories in clinical assessment are discussed, including use of the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) in clinical assessment. It is concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of the NEO-PI for differential diagnoses of psychopathology. (SLD)