Data from the 1977-78 mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on the use of calculators are discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

The article focuses on the controversy over norm-referenced v criterion-referenced measures (CRM) in assessment of learning disorders. The authors contend that while the reliability of CRMs is generally indisputable, the validity of measures designed from local curricula is still dependent on the intuitive judgments of teachers. (Author/SBH)

Illinois assessment personnel (N=579) completed a survey designed to shed light on which professionals use tests, which categories of children are most frequently tested, and which tests are usually used and for what purpose. (Author/SBH)

Analysis of performance data of American Indian children on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) confirms prior results regarding the verbal and perceptual motor skills of that population. Because so many items did not contribute significantly to the total test variance, clinicians should interpret test results with caution.…

An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of these instruments indicates that their judicious use can help toward the upgrading of counseling effectiveness. In an addendum, the values needs of counselors and current research are discussed. (Author/BEF)

Describes the Indiana University French Communicative Ability Test, developed to test communicative ability at a relatively low level (beginning university French), and in a large, multi-section program. (AM)

Identifies problems in assigning final grades to students based upon summing up a number of examination components. Presents a critical analysis of an article on the same topic by P. J. Squire which appeared in the journal in 1978. (Author/DB)

The Bayesian approach to setting passing points on credentialing examinations in the health fields is considered in the context of the Normal model, and examples are given to demonstrate the procedure. An application to a credentialing examination, to determine a rational passing point, is presented. (Author/MH)

The Psychological Screening Inventory (PSI) was administered to 1,123 subjects in the 13-16 year age range. This group was divided into groups less likely and a more likely to appear in court. These were compared to a group on juvenile probation. Significant differences were found on several of the PSI scales. (Author)

Five issues (employer motivation, criteria selection, content and construct validity, differential validity, burden of proof) are discussed because questions are raised about them or because they are pivotal issues in court cases which were decided in the five years since Griggs v. Duke Power (test bias). (TA)

Bem's definition of psychological androgyny obscures a potentially important distinction between those individuals who score high on both masculinity and femininity and those individuals who score low on both. To assess the importance of this distinction, the Bem Sex-Role Inventory was administered to undergraduate subjects. (Author)

A procedure for sampling questions from a universe for repetition of criterion performances is described. Academic and administrative benefits are also noted. Available from: Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio 43022. (Author/LBH)

Available from: Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Child Study Cente, 1100 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117. The author discusses the concept of developmental dyslexia and attributes the wide variation in estimates of prevalence to the use of conflicting definitions of the disorder. (IM)

Reflects on a long career concerning teaching and testing at the secondary and college level. Talks about the relationship between secondary school testing and preparation, college entrance standards, and trends in college course organization and testing. (TB)

States that the purpose of two studies was to develop an instrument to measure patients' perceived communication apprehension in patient/physician interactions. Describes how, in the first study, the five-item Patients' Report of Communication Apprehension with Physicians (PRCAP) was developed. Examines the validity of the new test instrument.…