In an attempt to reinforce the directive role of evidence in current arguments over test coaching, this chapter summarizes research findings from studies of coaching for the Scholastic Aptitude Test in the context of a conceptual analysis of the meaning and likely import of the coachability of such ability tests. (Author/BW)

Investigated validity of the Short Form Test of Academic Aptitude (SFTAA) as a predictor of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) Full Scale IQ. Tested junior-high students and found the WISC-R could be estimated satisfactorily from the SFTAA, which was shown to be a valid indicator of intelligence. (Author/JAC)

Studied Holland's construct of consistency for its predictive validity of certain measures of vocational stability. Found consistency index to have no relationship with the similarity of the same subjects' beginning and ending college majors, or number of college major changes, number of course withdrawals, academic performance, and scholastic…

Eighty-six college students (51 female) were tested on their ability to perform seven kinds of formal mathematical operations. An analysis of data indicated a strong positive relationship between male sex-role orientation and biological sex and cognitive development levels. (AM)

Responding to allegations about the effect of coaching on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and its predictive validity ("Harvard Educational Review," May 1980), Jackson evaluates Slack and Porter's arguments and addresses the issues of the utility of SAT scores as admissions criteria and the alleged misrepresentation of negative…

Educators should apply successful practices used for gifted students to all students. General education practitioners should incorporate gifted education into its curriculum and recognize that there is a broad variety of abilities and talents among students. (CJ)

The authors rejoin E. Sontag, N. Certo, and J. Button's response (EC 115 030) to their original position (EC 115 029) on educational programing for the severely and profoundly retarded. (Author/SBH)

Two studies were conducted, one using 80 university students and the other 140 fifth through seventh graders, to examine the relationship between problem-solving strategies (leaping and flexibility) and measures of insight and scholastic aptitude. Relationships among insight, leaping, and quantitative scholastic aptitude were found. A…

Meta-analytic techniques tested the effect on learning of the interaction of prior achievement with instructional support. This review of nine studies indicates that differences in prior achievement levels can be reduced through instructional treatment. Results support the use of meta-analyses for other investigations of aptitude-treatment…

A study of the 42,586 students participating in the Midwest Talent Search program in 1985-1987 showed that low-income students were underrepresented in the gifted population. Low income negatively affected students' Scholastic Aptitude Test scores even in the upper ranges of ability. (Author/JDD)

Investigated relationship between loneliness (duration), self-esteem, and performance in academic assistance courses for high-risk students. Frequency and intensity of affects of loneliness correlated inversely with self-esteem. Self-esteem did not correlate with achievement (GPA) in courses. Frequency of affects of loneliness positively…

Reports on a study of 142 college music theory students on the influence of musical aptitude, academic ability, music experience, and motivation on the development of aural skills. Finds that musical aptitude had the largest effect on performance and motivation for music did not affect aural skills performance. (CFR)

To promote academic success for young adolescents, schools must meet the following developmental needs: (1) positive social interaction with adults and peers; (2) structure and clear limits; (3) competency and achievement; (4) creative expression; (5) physical activity; (6) meaningful participation in their families, schools, and communities; and…

Examines WAIS-R profiles of 194 college students diagnosed with learning disabilities (LD) to assess where they yield unique and interpretable profiles. Results show nearly 94% match profiles found in the WASI-R standardization sample. Also, shapes fail to explain a significant proportion of variation in student academic skills. (Author/JDM)

Explores the relationship between experimental design method and teacher-rated acceptability of two analog approaches for assessing academic skills problems. Comparisons indicate that curriculum-based assessment was consistently rated as a more acceptable method of assessment than published, norm-referenced tests. Results are discussed in relation…