Patricia Dovell
University of Florida

Dianne Buhr
University of Florida

Abstract: This study examined the difficulty level of essay topics used in large-scale writing assessment in relation to three different scoring models and sought to identify the effects each model would have on passing rates. Models of direct assessment and combined scores produced essentially equivalent pass/fail decisions. A regression model was found to be inappropriate for making decisions about individual students because of the essay scores’ discrete scale. Results showed that each model has its advantages depending upon the purpose of the assessment and the nature of the data.

Citation: Dovell, P., & Buhr, D. (1986). Essay topic difficulty in relation to scoring models. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 28(1), 41-62.

Download:  Dovel.281.pdf (715 downloads )

Neal H. Berger
University of South Florida

Nina B. Barrios
Evaluation Systems Design, Inc.

Howard Williams
Floria State University

Garrett Foster
Florida State University

Abstract: Between 1983 and 1985 the Florida Legislature enacted legislation which increased the credits required for high school graduation and the closely related length and configuration of the school day. This study examined the perceptions of members of the Superintendents’ Task Force on the Seventh Period/Extended SchoolDay, members and staff of the Florida Legislature’s Education Committees and Appropriations Committees, and personnel from the Florida Department of Education regarding the flexible nature of the implementation policy. Specifically, it addresses the following considerations: the rationale and goals for the current policy, its anticipated effects on students, parents, teachers, and administrators and the anticipated impact of mandated implementation requirements.

Citation: Berger, N. H., Barrios, N. B., Williams, H., & Foster, G. (1986). The flexible policy for the seventh period/extended school day in Florida. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 28(1), 109-124.

Download:  Berger.281.pdf (820 downloads )