A study assessed the usefulness of unannounced standardized patients to assess the skills of 284 physicians enrolled in a continuing medical education program in control of sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus. Significant discrepancies were found between physician-reported performance and actual performance, as found in…

A study involving 70 grade school children shows that mothers are fairly accurate in estimating their children's abilities (IQ). Accuracy of estimation does not predict achievement or school grades, but mothers' demands of children are related to beliefs about ability and the children's levels of achievement. (SLD)

A survey of parents of 54 school-age children with prelingual hearing loss being taught through the auditory-verbal approach revealed that 85% of children were estimated to read better than or as well as average normal hearing children. Of 37 children for whom standardized test scores were supplied, 30 scored at the 50th percentile or higher. (JDD)

Evolution of the intensive summer oral language proficiency institutes held at the University of Texas at El Paso, beginning in 1984, is discussed. Benefits for participants, including knowledge gained about language testing and improved personal language skills, are noted, and areas for further consideration or improvement in the program are…

Illustrates the importance of studying educational policy in the making with instances of multicultural history-social studies curriculum policymaking in California and New York in the context of movements for national standards and assessments and possibly a national curriculum. Attempts by neo-nativists to influence policymaking are discussed.…

Key issues that educational measurement professionals must face in the next decade are explored. Questions of definition and localization of testing, teacher education, increased computer use, variation in types of assessment, and the effects of litigation are likely to be central in future measurement and policy decisions. (SLD)

Data from 9,727 college students (sophomore through senior years) generally support the interpretation of the Professional Knowledge Test of the NTE battery as a measure of knowledge of teaching gained through teacher education courses. The other two core battery tests are less reflective of knowledge acquired in teacher education. (SLD)

Examines issues impacting identification and evaluation of Navajo children at risk: acculturation variables creating culture conflict; mental health issues for Navajo communities; environmental, emotional, and physical health factors contributing to underachievement; testing bias issues resulting in inappropriate educational placement decisions;…

Reviews the literature on psychological and educational assessment of American Indian and Alaska Native children, including the background psychological factors of biological deprivation, motivation, attitudes toward self, and traditional nonformal education. Discusses brain hemispheres, visuospatial skills, otitis media, fetal alcohol syndrome,…

Although necessary for a diversified student body, minority teachers are underrepresented due to a lingering resistance to integration efforts, unappealing classroom conditions, salary issues, and culturally biased professional exams. Equitable placement procedures, incentives, competitive salaries, mentoring programs, subject-area recruitment,…

This study examined the reliability of an instrument used to evaluate services for people with developmental disabilities. Seven types of variables were analyzed: demographic data, residential arrangements, medical needs, adaptive behavior, severity of challenging behavior, frequency of challenging behavior, and the perception that disabled…

A study investigated the effectiveness of two- and 3.5-day domestic-violence interclerkships in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of two successive cohorts of University of Massachusetts third-year medical students. Participating students immediately and significantly improved in each of these areas and fully or partially sustained…

Addresses issue of whether free voluntary reading (FVR) is appropriate for programs whose primary goal is development of academic second-language competence, such as university-level programs for international students. Argues that FVR does have a place in these programs, even though FVR often means reading light fiction; competence gained via FVR…

Demonstrates a process for creating a preservice teacher evaluation instrument utilizing the expertise of teacher educators who conduct the evaluations. Highlights how one college developed such an instrument using the Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS). Preservice teacher supervisors participated at all stages of development of the rating…

Discusses legal aspects of "flagging" college entrance examination scores of students whose special testing accommodations indicate a disability. Provisions of statutes and regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative agency findings governing this practice are outlined, its legality is examined, and factors for admissions…