In 1977, the Dallas, Texas Independent School District modified its teacher selection criteria. In addition to the previously used evaluation criteria involving transcripts, references and evaluations, three new measures were employed: (1) a test of verbal and quantitative ability, the Wesman Personnel Classification Test (WPCT), which was later replaced by the locally developed Personnel Services Test; (2) the Personnel Services Department Essay Test; and (3) verbal response to a structured interview. These measures were intended to replace the National Teacher Examinations (NTE), because most applicants had not taken the NTE before the school year began. A series of studies was conducted over four years to validate the WPCT. Results showed a high correlation between the WPCT and the NTE, supporting the WPCT's concurrent validity. The Class Average Residualized Composite Score, an estimate of student performance in a teacher's classroom, was associated with a number of the measures. The WPCT predicted student achievement on the Iowa Tests of Educational Development at the secondary level. It was also found that WPCT scores were more powerful predictors of classroom performance than interviews or essays. Further study, however, indicated high reliability of the interview, which was a very important selection criterion. (GDC)