A computerized adaptive test (CAT) based on the nominal response model (NR CAT) was implemented, and the performance of the NR CAT and a CAT based on the three-parameter logistic model was compared. The NR CAT produced trait estimates comparable to those of the three-parameter test. (SLD)

Inferential conditions in the statistical detection of measurement bias are discussed in the contexts of differential item functioning and predictive bias in educational and employment settings. It is concluded that bias measures that rely strictly on observed measures are not generally diagnostic of measurement bias or lack of bias. (SLD)

Studies suggest that stress, emotions, personality, and cognition can affect the immune system's response to disease. This paper argues the need for psychoneuroimmunology to be taught in health education courses and provides a brief overview of research showing the link between the mind and the immune system. (GLR)

Describes the kinds of response teachers make as they interact with children during reading. Suggests a progression of teacher responses that will eventually result in independence. Focuses on strategic scaffolding because children's independent use of strategies is a critical educational objective, especially for children who experience…

Forty-six noncategorically identified intermediate-level handicapped students were assigned to functionally grouped self-contained classes and were observed. Although special education teachers did not know unofficial labels applied to students (emotional disturbances or learning disabilities), they instructed emotionally disturbed children with…

The father of a boy with Down's syndrome describes his early efforts to cope with his emotions by being strong and hiding his feelings, due to his social conditioning, and subsequent recognition of the importance of expressing his emotions. Problems men face in expressing grief and sharing feelings are discussed in this personal narrative. (PB)

A study of written teacher comments on student papers in the University of Texas at Austin's program in writing across the curriculum found that the comments' instructional effectiveness was situational. Recommendations are made for enhancing their effectiveness by more awareness of student perceptions and need for assistance. (MSE)

Describes the positive experiences of a tenth grade writing teacher using peer evaluation to encourage revision of papers. (PRA)

The effects of priors and amount of bias in the Bayesian approach to the estimation problem in item response models are examined using simulation studies. Different specifications of prior information have only modest effects on Bayesian estimates, which are less biased than joint maximum likelihood estimates for small samples. (TJH)

Discusses the role of the Rasch model IRT in evaluating two subtests of the Occupational English test and argues for its use in exploring test constructs and in considering the implications of the empirical analysis presented for the validity of communicative language tests involving speaking and writing skills. (39 references) (Author/JL)

Asserts that extending reading journals to case studies of classmates as readers and viewing journal responses as "texts" help to redefine the study of literature and to build a community of interpreters of texts. Describes a course based on these ideas. (PRA)

Offers student-centered reading activities designed to bring students to reading maturity and involvement in literature. Discusses partner reading, dramatizing and performing texts, transforming texts, journal writing, discussion, and writing. (PRA)

Replenishing item pools for on-line ability testing requires innovative and efficient data collection. A method is proposed to collect test item calibration data in an on-line testing environment sequentially using locally D-optimum designs, thereby achieving high Fisher information for the item parameters. (SLD)

In this case study, music was applied noncontingently and contingently across four settings with an adolescent male with autism, to reduce aberrant, repetitive vocalizations. The intervention was associated with dramatic reductions in the primary aberrant behavior and reductions in two other aberrant behaviors. Task performance was differentially…

This study reports findings on the types of quality indicators identified for elementary and secondary schools by 71.5% of school superintendents from 1,055 districts and the subsequent rating scale analysis using Rasch measurement procedures. The practical utility of such a scale is discussed. (SLD)