A comprehensive assessment of children with Attention Deficit Disorder should include use of teacher rating scales. Rater biases, positive and negative halo effects, practice effects, and other problems are outweighed by the ease of use, low cost, and reasonable reliability and validity of teacher rating scales. (Author/DB)

The reliability, long-term stability, and generalizability of student ratings of teacher effectiveness are discussed. The Students' Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) instrument is examined from these perspectives. The multidimensionality of student response to such evaluation instruments must be recognized. (SLD)

A paradigm is described for studying the applicability of two North American instruments (the Students' Evaluation of Educational Quality and Frey's Endeavor) to other countries. Factor analyses of studies in Australia, Spain, and Papua New Guinea support the generality of the instruments' factors to the educational contexts of other countries.…

Concludes that the instrument reviewed is a carefully designed test incorporating a new interpretation of standardization and improved definitions of traditional reading levels. (FL)

Each of the many methods or approaches to assessing student learning is based on a clear understanding of validity, reliability, course objectives, the advantages and disadvantages of different evaluation formats, and the ways assessment data will be used to improve instruction. (Author/MSE)

Investigated certain measurement properties of the Ethical Judgment Scale. Results revealed findings of questionable validity and unacceptably low reliability for the instrument even though three different scoring methods were used in the analysis. (Author)

Examined internal structure of a modified version of the Gross Cohesiveness Scale (GCS) to determine factors involved in group cohesiveness as measured by the GCS. Performed Pearson product-moment correlations, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. Found two separate and distinct factors: affective and cognitive, both aspects of social cohesion.…

A shortened version of Zaichkowsky's 20-item Personal Involvement Inventory was created, removing four items which might be difficult to understand for noncollege-educated populations. The 16-item modified version had acceptable internal consistency; test-retest reliability; and factorial and predictive validity. (Author/GDC)

Describes the Examination for Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) required of all Texans seeking certification as principals, supervisors, or superintendents. Discusses certain test controversies (including test development by an out-of-state firm), the quality of administraor training in Texas, test objectives, and the future of ExCET.…

A study of the content validity, concurrent validity, and predictive validity of a residency applicant ranking system found the system not to evaluate candidate criteria important to the faculty. The department adopted a new ranking system using a multimethod-multitrait matrix and based on a new set of desired traits. (MSE)

Answer keys for physician and teacher licensing examinations were studied. The impact of variability on total errors of measurement was examined for answer keys constructed using the aggregate method. Results indicated that, in some cases, scorers contributed to a sizable reduction in measurement error. (Author/GDC)

Recruited 109 college freshmen to evaluate test-retest reliability of videotaped scenario measure and questionnaire designed to assess interpersonal functions. Subjects responded to both measures at two assessment times. Found both measures to have adequate reliability. There were no sex differences, nor were subjects' responses related to measure…

Examines reasons for using essay tests in the direct assessment of writing ability. Reviews the steps in developing a large-scale testing program; e.g., creating a pool of topics or prompts; developing scoring procedures; training raters; field-testing the system; scoring writing samples; assessing reliability; and assessing validity. (DMM)

The impact of examiner/examinee familiarity and rapport on psychological test performance is reviewed. Drawing upon research involving hundreds of young handicapped and nonhandicapped children, it was found that certain handicapped children obtain higher scores when tested by familiar examiners. Implications for practice, theory, and personnel…

Compared the reliability and validity of three methods of measuring students' ability to articulate their career values. Cochran's method and idiosyncratic and standardized methods developed in response to problems with the Cochran method. Test-retest reliabilities for the three methods were .33, .66, and .19, respectively. The findings suggest…