Reviews methodologies of sign language studies with chimpanzees and compares major findings of those studies with studies of human children. Considers relevance of input conditions for language acquisition, evidence used to demonstrate linguistic achievements, and application of rigorous testing procedures in developmental psycholinguistics.…

The material opens with a brief history of mathematics competitions in China. Translations of the problems that made up the two 1979 contest papers used are provided. The first set emphasized basic knowledge and degree of mastery, the second set emphasized application of knowledge and analysis of problems. (MP)

Data on the ability of pupils to deal with measurement concepts at the middle and high school levels are discussed. Results on items related to area and volume concepts indicate that conceptual problems account for most of the errors that students make on these topics. (MP)

A contest for general mathematics students is briefly described. It includes tests, congratulatory letters, and face-to-face competition. (MP)

Investigated the modification of impulsive responding to WISC-R subtests using a procedure which forced the child to delay before responding. Screened boys, ages 8-0 to 8-11, on the basis of cognitive tempo. Retesting showed the forced delay administration significantly improved the scoring of Impulsives but not of Reflectives. (Author/RC)

Suggests ways to minimize the risk of training failure and ensure that training accomplishes its objectives. Explains key differences to be learned in order to use the appropirate method of applying quality assurance and quality control. Examines five quality factors to be measured, including pre- and post-training testing devices. (CT)

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)

An experimental group of college students were taught and asked to practice actualism meditation techniques before studying and before examinations. Controls were taught the techniques but asked to practice at other times. The groups did not differ in mean study time, but the experimental group performed significantly better on examinations.…

The author concludes that testing in basic education is indispensable. Several objections to external testing are discussed. (Author/MLF)

A description is given of the development of a health education curriculum based on a needs assessment study of elementary and middle school children. (JD)

Evaluated the effectiveness of 13 different Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory taking direction techniques. Results indicated that from 10 percent to 81 percent of the variance associated with faking can be accounted for by various detection strategies. These techniques are recommended for clinical use. (Author)

Describes a program in which a computer is used to store test items and to construct tests for algebra and geometry classes. (IRT)

Administrators at Edina-West Secondary School in Edina (Minnesota) are making the curriculum more specific through an integrated in-service evaluation plan. (Author/MLF)

Describes the use of a crossword puzzle for testing students for content in a Greek mythology course. Includes a sample crossword puzzle. (TJ)