Describes some of the mismatches that can occur between child knowledge and the controlled "primerese" language of texts. Finds ways in which children bring their linguistic knowledge to bear on the reading process. Indicates that the controls and distinctive features of primerese text are counterproductive. (MG)

Supports and defends the work of the National Research Council's Committee on the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). Argues that, through validity generalization, the distinction between referral and hiring, and the establishment of a "performance-fair" system of score adjustments, the GATB can be used to effect equitable employment…

Discusses problems with the Committee on the General Aptitude Test Battery's report "Fairness in Employment Testing" (1989). Finds that, while the report is thorough, major questions remain in a number of areas, including inconsistent definitions, "false negatives," rationale for criteria, and lack of full disclosure. Endorses…

Examined the effects of gender, status, and effective teaching on the evaluation of college instruction. Scenarios manipulating the status of professors relative to these variables were presented to subjects. Some gender bias was determined; however, effective teaching was the most important influence on evaluations. (KO)

The effects of varying placement of a review period and test expectancy on students' notetaking, review strategies, and performance on delayed free recall, application, and cloze tests were studied for 156 undergraduates. The benefits of reviewing notes and optimal placement of the review period partly depended on the test type. (SLD)

The similarity of information provided by direct and indirect methods of writing assessment was investigated using 219 tenth graders. A resulting cognitive model of writing skills indicates that practitioners interested in reliably measuring all aspects of the proposed writing process continuum use both direct and indirect methods. (TJH)

Cites studies linking teachers' expectations of students to students' performance. Expectations especially affect American Indian students as smallest and poorest of minorities. Defines good teachers as having positive belief systems and practices and offering students cheer and encouragement. Includes suggestions, anecdotal material. (TES)

Compares intelligence and achievement test results from learning disabled (LD) and normal Mexican American high school students with those of Anglo LD and normal students. No differences in performance IQ between Mexican and Anglo LDs. Suggests language proficiency or sociocultural factors, not learning disabilities, cause differences. (Author/TES)

Discusses a recently developed post-admissions testing battery, for Ontario colleges and universities, that tests students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through integrated texts and tasks that simulate academic language use. The battery yields placement and diagnostic information about students' readiness to undertake academic…

In order to determine how situational variables influence students when they evaluate an instructor, the individual student as the unit of analysis was used. Interactions between three variables related to class (type, level, and size) and three related to instructor (reputation, rank, and sex) were examined. (Author/MLW)

Training in appropriate physical management and handling procedures for caregivers of four children with severe and multiple disabilities found positive effects on the children's orientation, communication, and social interaction skills. The importance of appropriate physical managing and handling in natural environments for enhancement of…

Presents the results of a study of Francophone pupils in the French schools of Windsor, Ontario. The article gives examples of nonstandard features pervading students' French vocabulary and syntax and concludes that a hybrid vernacular may be emerging as a result of the Canadian sociolinguistic situation, creating a challenge to the teaching of…

Researchers surveyed Kentucky high school seniors to collect data on and compare the results of the Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (KIRIS) open-response reading results and ACT reading multiple-choice format. Results found a great deal of disagreement between the KIRIS and ACT reading results. (SM)

This study investigated the relative importance of 9 instructional factors (amount learned, exam fairness, enthusiasm, individual rapport, organization, assignments, group interaction, breadth of materials, course difficulty) in 229 college students' global evaluations of faculty effectiveness in 3 disciplines (accounting, education, geology).…

An undergraduate pharmacy course unit designed to teach skills in reading, interpreting, analyzing, and critically evaluating research and presenting findings to peers, is described. Specific course objectives, criteria to be used for evaluating research, and a summary of student responses to a unit evaluation are appended. (MSE)