Examines the effects of testing results on 420 candidates who participated in police officer selection in Asheville, North Carolina between 1990 and 1996. Results show that the decision making process of officer selection is primarily testing-oriented and that candidates' socio-demographic factors, such as race show no effect on the recruitment…

Attempts to identify what makes a recommendation letter effective (and what does not). Presents several guidelines for different conditions and circumstances under which recommendations are frequently written. Concludes by suggesting not to write a letter if the writer cannot put him/herself in the place of the candidate, because the writer's…

Describes interview techniques for determining whether a first-time worker will be a good employee. Offers questions that will give an insight into attitudes and suggests telling applicants what will be expected of them if they are hired. (JOW)

Presents brief annotations of 46 children's books that explore memories of childhood, memories of love, keepsakes that capture those memories, memorable tales from long ago, memorable journeys, times that are painful to remember, and heroes and heroines who have provided hope and change in a troubled world. (SR)

The adequacy of "rule of thumb" conventional cutoff criteria and several alternatives for fit indices in covariance structure analysis was evaluated through simulation. Analyses suggest that, for all recommended fit indexes except one, a cutoff criterion greater than (or sometimes smaller than) the conventional rule of thumb is required…

Uses several thought experiments to explore the potential impact of the choice of criterion on the results of examinee-centered studies. Conclusions from these experiments are then used to examine the different cutting scores from several contrasting groups studies on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (SLD)

In an Irish bank, 135 applicants were evaluated in an assessment center. Results did not support the validity of such centers. Exercises lacked content validity, and criterion validity was similarly poor. (SK)

Provides two examples of college libraries that show the importance of siting and smart design in helping these buildings make bold statements. Photos are included. (GR)

Examines development of the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officer's guidelines for assisting colleges and universities in gauging how many maintenance tradespeople they will need. (GR)

The effects of different degrees of smoothing on results of equipercentile equating in random groups design using a postsmoothing method based on cubic splines were investigated, and a computer-based procedure was introduced for selecting a desirable degree of smoothing. Results suggest that no particular degree of smoothing was always optimal.…

Widespread labor shortages are leading companies to adopt innovative recruiting and training methods, such as Internet job postings, computer-based training, certified interviewers, collaborations with colleges and universities, and making employees at all levels feel important. (SK)

Describes various types of video producers and suggests how to decide which one is best for training needs. (JOW)

Research shows that interviewers make hiring choices based on unconscious motivations and then rationalize the choice. Having three interviewers meet with each candidate separately and then discussing their reactions will assure that a hiring decision is based on objective criteria. Structured interviews and a limited focus on a maximum of six…

Proposed a refinement, based on the stratification of items developed by D. Weiss (1973), of the computerized adaptive testing item selection procedure of H. Chang and Z. Ying (1999). Simulation studies using an item bank from the Graduate Record Examination show the benefits of the new procedure. (SLD)

Offers suggestions on choosing modular space for schools. Advice is provided based on school needs: (1) How soon is the space needed? Is there a crisis situation or time to plan? (2) How much flexibility is needed for relocation? and (3) What are the financing issues? Is it better to buy or lease? (EV)