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IssueM Articles

(1) The Agreement and Structure of Colleague Ratings

Maria M. Llabre
University of Miami

Harry W. Forgan
University of Miami

Abstract: The interrater reliability and the factor structure of colleague ratings of university faculty were studied. Two approaches to rating colleagues were compared: a global rating and an analytic rating in four areas of responsibility. Reliability indices indicated that means based on four raters using the analytic method were reliable. Results of a factor analysis indicated the presence of two factors: research and publications and, to a lesser extent, teaching.

Citation: Llabre, M. M., & Forgan H. W. (1985). The agreement and structure of colleague ratings. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 27(1), 19-26.

Download:  Llabre.271.pdf (1707 downloads )

(6) Local Development of Subject Area Item Banks

Annie W. Ward
Ward Educational Consulting, Inc.

Gene Barlow
Dade County Public Schools

Abstract: It is feasible for school districts to develop and use subject area tests as reliable as those previously available only from commercial publishers. This paper describes procedures used in a large school district to develop item banks in algebra, life science, career education, geometry, biology, and U. S. history. Districts who put a reasonable amount of effort and resources into such projects can develop tests valid for assessing specific courses.

Citation: Ward, A. W., & Barlow, G. (1984). Local development of subject area item banks. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 26(1), 21-27.

Download:  Ward.261.pdf (1680 downloads )

(5) Performance Characteristics of Florida’s Early Exit Equivalency Candidates

Howard Stoker
Florida State University

Abstract: Many questions have been raised recently about the impact of the Early Exit Program on Florida Schools. Are those who pass the GED and earn a high school diploma: (a) high achievers which might lead to a brain drain from state high schools, (b) low achievers who cannot pass high school courses, or (c) fairly representative of the achievement range of high school students in general? Achievement scores on district level achievement tests were compared to GED scores for 410 students from four Florida districts who passed the GED between January, 1981 and May, 1983. Those who passed the GED were neither predominantly “cream of the crop” students nor low achievers on the high school tests. Rather, they represented the entire range of school achievement with the majority falling in the 40-80 percentile range of the district tests.

Citation: Stoker, H. (1984). Performance characteristics of Florida’s early exit equivalency candidates. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 26(1), 43-67.

Download:  Stoker.261.pdf (895 downloads )

(4) Teaching Writing as a Process: Evaluation for District Decision-Making

Lore A. Nielsen
Hillsborough County Public Schools

Susan D. Turner
Hillsborough County Public Schools

Abstract: New instructional programs should evolve using formative evaluation as a tool for program development. Formative evaluation of program implementation and student performance was used to assess a new writing program used in 11 Hillsborough County elementary schools. Twenty-one teachers and 600 fourth and fifth grade students participated. Teachers were interviewed, 200 randomly selected students’ writing samples before and after instruction were evaluated, and students completed an attitude survey. Teachers perceived that the program was implemented as intended but reported that they need more specific feedback on their methods. Students writing skill improved and their attitudes about writing were more positive. Specific areas for program improvement were identified.

Citation: Nielsen, L. A., & Turner, S. D. (1984). Teaching writing as a process: evaluation for district decision-making. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 26(1), 93-108.

Download:  Nielsen.261.pdf (1068 downloads )

 

(3) Relationship of Student Achievement and Grade of Entry into the Intermediate School

Bernard Jones
Palm Beach County School System

Jean Jolly
Palm Beach County School System

Robert Pickens
Palm Beach County School System

Abstract: An investigation of the effect on achievement of the timing of the transition from elementary to intermediate school was undertaken. The sixth and seventh grade achievement scores of 1140 students who entered middle school in the sixth grade were compared to those of 1158 students who entered junior high school in the seventh grade. Results indicate that achievement is affected by the transition into middle school whether it occurs at grade six or seven.

Citation: Jones, B., Jolly, J, & Pickens, R. (1984). Relationship of student achievement and grade of entry into the intermediate school. Florida Journal of Educational Research, 26(1), 69-91.

Download:  Jones.261.pdf (893 downloads )