This report examines the potential of adaptive testing, two?-stage testing in particular, for improving the data quality of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Following a discussion of the rationale for adaptive testing in assessment and a review of previous studies of two-?stage testing, this report describes a 1993 Ohio…

Examines children's reactions to the divorce process and explores ways in which adults can promote growth and adjustment in children of divorce. Suggests ways in which parents, teachers, and counselors can help children. (RC)

This paper reviews the function of literary allusion and examines how this device helps readers relate to texts. Questions are raised about children's ability to understand allusions, particularly Biblical references. Suggestions for research to improve understanding of the role of allusions are given. (PP)

Results of analyses of 15 teacher and pupil process measure variables suggest that deterioration is noticeable in teachers' interactions, with problem children receiving more negative affect and less sustaining feedback from their teachers over a four month observation period. (Author/GC)

The concerns of two teachers at a school where computer-integrated instruction was being used in five second-year algebra classes were studied. High levels of personal and management concerns, coupled with low refocusing concerns, were found. Both teachers were judges as mechanical users of computer materials. (MNS)

Factors which affect communication with teachers via curriculum guides include how authors and readers conceptualize educational practice and teaching and audience characteristics. Although each of the predominant forms of discourse (persuasive, descriptive, theoretical) used to communicate practice prescriptions for teachers is flawed, the three…

Questions the results of an earlier study that found that accommodating instructional style to disadvantaged students' interaction patterns increases the students' achievement-related behavior. (AEA)

Surveys the attitudes toward teaching held by college biologists at one university. Reports that although keen interest in innovation is expressed, little is done about it. A major problem seems to be information flow, and simple ways of improving this are discussed. (Author/JN)

Considers the effect of providing two different response modes, free response and a multiple choice format, on concrete-abstract performance. Suggests if task format plays a role in subject response, then it also enters into a person's score on some intelligence test measures. (Author)

Discusses Meehan, Woll, and Abbott's study showing that scores on Hogan's Survey of Ethical Attitudes (SEA) are affected by instructions to simulate politically liberal or conservative attitudes. This paper asserts that test-taking is a form of self-presentation, identical to everyday social interactions. Woll responds, reasserting his…

Poor behavior in one of 12 mixed-ability chemistry classes led to a stigma attached to it by school staff. Analysis of examination marks indicates the reputation was not justified in terms of academic achievement, demonstrating the ease with which academic achievements can be hampered unwittingly by teacher prejudices. (Author/JN)

Psychological factors are analyzed that might explain why scholars and teachers do not intellectually confront the possibility of nuclear annihilation. Teachers are urged to struggle toward facing that possible reality as a prelude to action. (PP)

Following a description of the "options" component of the JMB A-level physics syllabus, teachers' responses to these options are summarized by considering the time taken to complete options, factors influencing choice of options, and options teachers felt they knew best. (JN)

Assesses relationships between child vulnerability to stress, birth order, and stage of family development. Identified four stages of family structure. Results showed vulnerability of first-borns and last-borns shifted across stages in a complementary fashion. Interpreted results in terms of a linkage between emotional symptoms and family…

Studied social workers' perceptions of group dimensions that had negative effects on members. Found that group leaders viewed group composition as a major source of harmful interaction while members and observers saw group norms as a more frequent cause of negative effects. (Author/JAC)