The discrete dynamical system of absolute differences defined by the map [psi]( x[subscript 1] , x[subscript 2] , x[subscript 3] , x[subscript 4] ) = ([vertical line] x[subscript 2] - x[subscript 1] [vertical line], [vertical line] x[subscript 3] - x[subscript 2] [vertical line], [vertical line] x[subscript 4] - x[subscript 3] [vertical line],…

"Algebra for everyone" has been a popular reform, though not commonly implemented and not fully evaluated. Through investigation, one might be able to determine whether courses deemed equivalent to a traditional college preparatory algebra course provide an equitable understanding of algebra concepts and skills, while controlling for…

Fitness testing is an important assessment tool used by physical educators for many purposes. Some states require fitness testing to monitor individual student progress throughout the school year. Some physical educators use it to monitor the effects of the physical education curriculum and to teach concepts such as goal setting and personal…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of teaching eight secondary students with disabilities, including seven with learning disabilities, a strategy for answering a variety of inferential questions. A multiple-baseline across-subjects design was employed. Outcome measures included scores on researcher-devised comprehension…

The choice of a cutting score for criterion-related tests influences decisions related to classifying people into dichotomous categories. This paper proposes an empirical methodology for determining the best cutting score when there is information about the test score frequency distribution of test-takers defined as actually successful and…

Various item selection techniques are compared on criterion-referenced reliability and validity. Techniques compared include three nominal criterion-referenced methods, a traditional point biserial selection, teacher selection, and random selection. (Author)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of criterion referenced testing in the elementary reading program. (RB)

A description of the difficulties encountered in constructing a criterion-referenced test to assess end-of-year skills as part of a program evaluation is presented. The problems encountered in preparing the customized test are described in humorous detail. The first problem involved the listening test obtained from a publisher without…

This study was designed to evaluate the instructional effectiveness of the introductory units (Programs 1-25) of the Trimodal Programmed Instruction in Reading. (Editor)

Presents a descriptive review of six criterion-referenced reading programs now on the market and suggests a format for evaluating other programs. (RB)

Classical test construction and analysis procedures are applicable and appropriate for use with criterion referenced tests when samples of both mastery and nonmastery examinees are employed. (Author/BB)

The basis for selection of the calibration sample determines the kind of scale which will be developed. A random sample from a population of individuals leads to a norm-referenced scale, and a sample representative of abilities of a range of characteristics leads to a criterion-referenced scale. (Author/BB)

The Coping Inventory, a criterion referenced scaled observation instrument used to assess adaptive coping behavior in handicapped children, is described. The adaptive behavior summaries of two children, a 5 year old in a special education class and a 15 year old handicapped high school student, are used to show how the Coping Inventory results are…

Seventeen statistics for measuring the reliability of criterion-referenced tests were critically reviewed. The review was organized into two sections: (1) a discussion of preliminary considerations to provide a foundation for choosing the appropriate category of "reliability" (threshold loss function, squared-error loss-function, or…

Two approaches to criterion-referenced measurement are described and contrasted--domain-referenced testing and mastery testing. This paper is organized according to ten issues or stages in test construction: (1) content domain specification; (2) item construction; (3) item domain specification; (4) item analysis; (5) item selection; (6) parallel…