Describes the production of a computer-aided, self-testing system for university students enrolled in a first-year course in biological psychology. Project aspects described include selection, acquisition and description of software; question banks and test structures; modes of use (computer or printed version); evaluation; and future plans. (11…

The seven chapters of this issue focus on technical qualities of performance assessments and report the findings of systematic empirical inquiries. They add to the body of research that shows that performance assessment, although time consuming and expensive, merits the serious attention of educators. (SLD)

The most fundamental technical quality issue raised by proposals for a national examination system is that of validity. Types of evidence needed to judge the validity of test use and the interpretation of results are discussed, and examination content, fairness, impact, generalizability, and comparability are explored. (SLD)

This is the executive summary of a project conducted by the Federation of American Research Networks and the Consortium for School Networking that considered ways to support and promote school networking and formulated recommendations for the National Science Foundation. Highlights include educational reform, partnerships with industry, and a…

Study examined whether literature discussion groups would offer students worthwhile opportunities, noting how discussion could be evaluated using teacher and student documentation. Eighteen high-risk students were audiotaped discussing stories. Audiotaping proved highly successful. Children were able to take responsibility in the evaluation…

An approach to test modeling is illustrated that encompasses both response consistency and response difficulty. This generative approach makes validation an ongoing process. An analysis of hidden figure items with 60 high school students supports the feasibility of the method. (SLD)

A study determined and described the various methods used to evaluate faculty by chairs of management and/or marketing departments in Texas schools or colleges of business administration. In addition, it investigated administrator attitudes about merit and performance compensation systems and the potential problems and benefits stemming from their…

Recounts the story of one portfolio project in a large midwestern university and considers the process of the teachers and administrators initiating and adjusting to the changes implied by such shifts in assessment strategies. Argues that the implementation of such assessment represents more sweeping change than may be apparent at the onset. (MG)

Focus group findings were compared with survey findings for three studies in which both methods were used. Studies conducted on voluntary sterilization in Guatemala, Honduras, and Zaire with over 2,000 subjects confirm that focus groups yield information similar to that obtained from surveys and are useful in program planning. (SLD)

This paper argues that cognitive referencing (which compares skills to cognitive level rather than to chronological age standards), used to determine children's eligibility for special language and motor services, is not consistent with current theoretical formulations. It also lacks empirical evidence for validity and results in exclusion of…

This article on sampling early semantic productions reports a study of 6 children (ages 31-35 months) with specific language impairments. Subjects produced a greater frequency and diversity of multiword utterances in a free-play sampling situation than in a joint action routine sampling situation. (JDD)

D. Freedman and others and W. Clark and P. Morrison misunderstand case law in the voting rights area and have unrealistic standards of precision that, if adopted, would make it virtually impossible for minority plaintiffs to succeed. Ecological regression, when used with care, is a reliable tool. (SLD)

Defines and discusses self-training systems and explains strategies for successfully implementing such systems. Highlights include marketing the program; budgeting for the program; preparing the program administrator; preparing the learners, including motivation and resource availability; monitoring progress; and enhancing transfer of training.…

Discusses the change in teachers' roles with integrated learning systems (ILSs) from the role of deliverer of instruction to manager of instruction. Topics addressed include scheduling; assigning lessons; motivating students; evaluation of task performance; the communication process; time equity; merging the ILS with the classroom curriculum; and…

Discusses diversity in the population of individuals with visual impairments, the changing role of orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, and the broadened definition of O&M. An overview of best practices and model demonstration programs for providing O&M services to a diverse population of persons with visual impairments is presented. (SM)