A study was undertaken as part of the process of trying to develop an instrument for systematically coding reading and other language arts activities in the secondary content area classroom. Six teachers chosen from five secondary schools were each observed while teaching four randomly selected classes over a two-week period. All observations were…

Document searching systems, such as those in libraries, are comprised of chains of components that transmit information. The components consist of mechanisms for doing classification, indexing, abstracting and cataloging of documents, and for converting users' statements of need to expressions suitable for searching the system. Improvement of the…

A description of the current activities of the Far West Consortium for Development, Dissemination and Evaluation (DD&E) in developing a competency-based assessment system for educational research and development (R&D) professionals is presented. The taxonomy of competencies and the battery of assessment instruments being developed will initiate…

In this paper, the author proposes a simple classification of objectives-based evaluation systems in terms of two inherent characteristics or functions they might serve. These functions are (1) evaluation scope, and (2) program generality. According to the author, the development of multipurpose, multiprogram evaluation systems in a broad variety…

Provides a framework for understanding the concept of validity and how it applies to simulation research. Extant tests of validity are discussed in terms of this framework, and a general schema for testing validity is proposed. (MBR)

This is one of few professional books that addresses the subject of stuttering in young children. This is surprising considering that most cases of stuttering begin in the preschool years and that the prevalence of the disorder in very young children is higher than in any other age group. This excellent and informative text is written for…

Different item response theory (IRT) models may be employed for item calibration. Change of testing vendors, for example, may result in the adoption of a different model than that previously used with a testing program. To provide scale continuity and preserve cut score integrity, item parameter estimates from the new model must be linked to the…

Because districts in Nebraska are not measured on common instruments, comparisons are difficult. This study examined a district evaluation strategy that classifies districts into school performance ratings (SPR) based on a combination of three factors. Student performance and non-cognitive indicator data for three grade levels and two content…

The purpose of this paper is to review evaluation theories and techniques in both the medical and educational fields and to propose an evaluation theory to explain the condition variables, the method variables, and the outcome variables of student assessment in a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. The PBL definition and process are presented,…

Examines the acquisition of teacher skills which facilitate learning on both affective and cognitive levels. The successful teacher "intentionally" chooses between a wide range of alternative teaching behaviors when reacting to the situation at hand. Flander's Interaction Analysis System and Ivey Taxonomy provide information useful to…

Assessment of behavior disorders and emotional disturbances in children is difficult to achieve because a generally recognized classification system does not exist, definitions of emotional disturbance are not clear, incidence figures vary, and many hypotheses are available. A multidimensional approach to assessment is recommended. (Author/CP)

Points out three difficulties with the Munz-Smouse test anxiety classification scheme. Describes an alternative procedure and illustrates its advantages over the Munz-Smouse procedure. (RL)

This article describes the two basic versions of the responsiveness-to-intervention (RTI) approach for identifying learning disabilities, the problem solving model and the standard-protocol approach. It reviews evidence on effectiveness and feasibility and concludes that more needs to be understood before RTI may be viewed as a valid…

An overview is provided of the similarities and distinctions between individuals with autism and those with Asperger syndrome (AS). The cognitive and neurocognitive profiles underlying deficits characteristic of autism spectrum disorders are reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on comparisons of high-functioning autism to AS on the basis of…

Selecting and evaluating general surgery residents were studied using the Critical Incident Technique for 235 critical incidents identified by 10 faculty members and 4 senior residents. Derived categories of behavior to define surgical competence were used to develop an interview evaluation form and a handbook for interviewing applicants. (SLD)