A quadratic curve test equating method for equating different test forms under a random-groups data collection design is proposed that equates the first three central moments of the test forms. When applied to real test data, the method performs as well as other equating methods. Procedures from implementing the test are described. (SLD)

Developed an Italian version of the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ-III) and studied the reliability and factorial validity of this translated instrument. Results show that the translated version has psychometric properties similar to those of the original English version. (SLD)

Study findings indicate that exposure to a statement on a true-false test increased college students' (N=64) tendency to believe the statement was true, regardless of whether the statement actually was true or false. In contrast to previous research, these findings support existence of a negative suggestion effect for true-false exams. (IAH)

Finds no evidence that the standard procedure for administering a spelling test (in which the examiner pronounces the word, uses it in a sentence, then pronounces it again) is any less effective than those utilizing additional visualization and vocalization components. (RS)

First-year college students (n=506) completed Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (J. Raven, J. Court, and J. Raven, 1988). Data were used to contribute to the normative database for American college students. A short form developed from 12 items of the original 36 was found to possess acceptable psychometric properties. (SLD)

Investigated the use of mathematical programming techniques to generate parallel test forms with passages and items based on item-response theory (IRT) using the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Generated four parallel test forms from the item bank of almost 1,100 items. Comparison with human-generated forms supports the mathematical…

Question dimensions, construction, and response formats of 50 reactionnaire forms completed by participants in medical school programs were analyzed. Numerous problems in 30 forms and shortcomings in 20 others were identified. Ways to improve layout, appearance, anonymity protection, and questions were suggested. (Contains 53 references.) (SK)

Investigates the effects of text organization and response format on second language learners' performance on reading comprehension tests. Analyzes the results of reading comprehension tests that were delivered to Japanese University students. Found that text organization and test format had a significant impact on students' performance.…

Argues that the School Leaders Licensure Assessment required for administrator certification in several states promotes a narrow, mainstream concept of instructional leadership. (PKP)

Studied the reliability of a translation of the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ) (D. Offer and others, 1984) with 268 Finnish 13-year-olds, 83 of whom were tested a second time. Results support the reliability of the OSIQ for only four subscales. (SLD)

Studied whether a group's average percent correct in a content domain could be accurately estimated for groups taking a single test form and not the entire domain of items. Evaluated six Item Response Theory-based domain score estimation methods through simulation and concluded they performed better than observed score on the form taken. (SLD)

This study examines performance differences between students with disabilities and students without disabilities students using differential item functioning (DIF) analyses in a high-stakes reading assessment. Results indicated that for Grade 9, many items exhibited DIF. Items that exhibited DIF were more likely to be located in the second half…

The information and assessment materials in these resources have been designed to assist teachers to gauge their own students' proficiency in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) literacy. By examining modules from the National Year 6 and Year 10 ICT Literacy Assessment teachers may be able to design similar tasks and to judge their…

BRT Math Screening Measures focus on students' mathematics performance in grade-level standards for students in grades 1-8. A total of 24 test forms are available with three test forms per grade corresponding to fall, winter, and spring testing periods. Each form contains computation problems and application problems. BRT Math Screening Measures…

This article studies accessible assessment design to large-scale English language proficiency assessments that are now mandatory for elementary and secondary English language learners in public schools. Using a modified Delphi approach, a panel of 33 experts from the areas of assessment, English as a second language or bilingual education, and…