Described is an alternative first year algebra program developed to bridge the gap between the NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards and institutional demands of schools. Increased attention is given to graphing as a context for algebra, calculator use, solving "memorable problems," and incorporating geometry concepts, while…

Presents a decomposition technique for a Tobit regression model that shows the effect of the independent variables on (1) the amount of financial-aid awards to those receiving aid; and (2) the probability of receiving aid for those who did not receive aid. Contributes to a clearer understanding of the effects of selected factors on awards. (20…

Despite the fact that one of the strengths of two-year institutions is their ability to serve the diverse educational needs of their local communities, a single measure of community college effectiveness, the transfer rate, has come to dominate. Because this single measure of success can be used for both internal institutional review, and for…

The 14 chapters of this book focus on the technical advances, advances in applied settings, and emerging topics in the testing field. Part 1 discusses methodological advances, Part 2 considers developments in applied settings, and Part 3 reviews emerging topics in the field of testing. Part 1 papers include: (1) "Advances in…

The sequential probability ratio test (SPRT), developed by Abraham Wald, is one statistical model available for making mastery decisions during computer-based criterion referenced tests. The predictive validity of the SPRT was empirically investigated with two different and relatively large item pools with heterogeneous item parameters. Graduate…

Investigations into item bias provide an empirical basis for the identification and elimination of test items which appear to measure different traits across populations or cultural groups. The Psychometric rationales for six approaches to the identification of biased test items are reviewed: (1) Transformed item difficulties: within-group…

This material provides a discussion of the construction and analysis of tests prepared for classroom use by teachers. The initial discussion is concerned with the purposes of evaluation and the specification of objectives. This is followed by an examination of theoretical and practical considerations in planning a test. The material on test item…

The short-range economic impact of Mercer County Community College (MCCC) upon the local community was investigated in terms of business volume, property tax revenues, and jobs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1978. MCCC generated $6,456,979 in local business volume; approximately two-thirds of these local purchases were directly attributable…

This report is an exploratory application of a dynamic mathematical model to express a theory of changes in youth's career expectations over time. Main content is divided into two focuses: (1) theoretical interpretations of the differential equations which embody the mathematical model and (2) reporting and discussion of the results of preliminary…

This partially annotated bibliography of journal articles, dissertations, convention papers, research reports, and a few books and unpublished manuscripts provides a comprehensive coverage of work on latent trait theory and practice. Documents are arranged alphabetically by author. The period covered ranges from the early 1950's to the present.…

This paper formulates a comprehensive model of resource allocation in a local public school district. The theoretical framework specified could be applied equally well to any number of local public social service agencies. Section 1 develops the theoretical model describing the process of resource allocation. This involves the determination of the…

Three and one-half years of research on computerized ability testing are summarized. The original objectives of the research were: (1) to develop and implement the stratified computer-based ability test; (2) to compare, on psychometric criteria, the various approaches to computer-based ability testing, including the stratified computerized test,…

A symposium of scientists and educators interested in coordinating the often parallel but separate research and development efforts in programed learning and digital-computer utilization met to define more exactly the potentialities of the computer as an instructional aid. Their papers form the basis of this book. The first section of the book…

This study was concerned with the optimum allocation of public resources in education, and involved a comparison between vocational-technical education and an alternative curriculum for non-college attending students. Major steps in the study were: (1) identification of costs and benefits, (2) collection of representative data, (3) determination…

Describes a study which measured how ninth-grade students integrated information about mathematical concepts when working with Triple Representation Model software. Tables, graphs, and algebraic functions were linked, allowing students to manipulate several representations of the same concept. Examples of mathematical problems and student case…