Research findings indicate a strong relationship between computer science aptitude and general achievement and mathematical achievement among junior high students (N=69). No significant difference was found in computer science aptitude test scores for males and females. (IAH)

Results are reported from a study of the learning styles of 306 high school students. The study examined learning style characteristics (abstraction, concreteness, reflection, activity); comparisons between adolescent and adult learning styles; and differences between freshmen and seniors, males and females, and slow-track and fast-track learners.…

Results are reported from a study that investigated the correspondence between two methods used to assess differential item functioning (test item bias). The study also explored the influence of sample size on the two procedures. Although agreement between the two procedures was generally good, the Rasch procedure was more reliable. (IAH)

Undergraduate students (N=215) were surveyed in a study that explored the relationships between trait test anxiety (fear of failure) and state test anxiety (emotionality and worry). The study also examined the relative strengths of trait and state measures of test anxiety as predictors of college academic performance. (IAH)

Using evidence of student learning to evaluate teacher effectiveness is discussed. Since standardized achievement tests cannot and will not do the job, alternatives are explored. Evaluators should focus not on test results derived from centralized standardized testing programs, but on results derived from teachers' classroom assessments of student…

Results of a 2-year study concerning the use of student academic performance and student attitudes toward learning as components of teacher evaluation systems are summarized. Participants included 200 Career Ladder teachers in Tennessee (CLTTs) evaluated in 1985-86 and 206 CLTTs evaluated in 1986-87. Implications for teacher evaluation are…

A method is proposed for developing a universitywide faculty evaluation system while retaining the integrity of evaluations of each individual's performance. Suggestions parallel efforts to alter faculty evaluation at Northwest Missouri State University (Maryville). (SLD)

Psychometric considerations that must be addressed in planning a faculty evaluation system for higher education are discussed. Constructing a framework for evaluation is reviewed through the example of evaluation of instructional competence, research productivity, and professional service. (SLD)

The innovative approach implemented by the Kansas State Board of Education to evaluate and assist beginning teachers is described. Pilot and validity studies of the program and its instrumentation developed with over 1,000 teachers are reported. Interns, experienced teachers, and administrators have indicated that the system encourages…

The North Carolina Teacher Performance Appraisal System (TPAS) and a pilot career development program were studied via a survey of 1,998 teachers and 338 evaluators. Overall reaction to the TPAS and its evaluation instrument was positive, with teachers agreeing that the procedures for formative and summative evaluations are feasible. (SLD)

The Connecticut Teacher Assessment Center Project has, since 1986, been developing a semistructured interview in the area of mathematics to evaluate beginning teacher competence. The strategy for validation of the project's performance tests, Connecticut's reform initiatives, and implications of systematic validity for traditional psychometric…

The Georgia Job Analysis Questionnaire was administered in January 1987 to all certified mathematics and science personnel identified by the State Department of Education. Ratings of task statements by 1,384 science and 1,600 mathematics teachers indicated significant differences associated with racial and gender differences. (TJH)

Legal and policy aspects of testing of hearing-impaired teachers are reviewed. Issues addressed include those associated with test administration, teacher education program reform, student aid, national efforts, and longitudinal research. (TJH)

Means by which administrative preparation programs can include opportunities for aspiring principals to become more reflective about their actions are outlined. A systematic model--involving concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation--is outlined. Specific preparation activities/parameters…

Characteristics and concerns of faculty development programs are briefly outlined to suggest reasons for the dearth of research in this area of program evaluation. The lack of representative and accurate outcome measures is seen as the central reason behind the lack of research. (TJH)