EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADES FOR PREDICTING COLLEGE GRADES OF BLACK STUDENTS: A REVIEW AND DISCUSSION1

The purpose of this study was to reexamine the value of high school grades (relative to standardized test scores) for predicting college grades of black students. Data from previous studies and from a predominantly black university were analyzed. Results tend to indicate that high school grades do not consistently make the greatest contribution in predicting college grades of black students, perhaps particularly of men, whereas they do for whites. Unreliability of grade reporting, invalidity of grades in high school, restriction in range due to selection processes, and intergroup differences in personality characteristics were advanced to explain this phenomenon. Further research on this problem was suggested in view of the fact that many selective institutions are relying heavily on high school grades in their selection of black students.     

HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PREDICTION OF COLLEGE GRADES FOR DIFFERENT SUBGROUPS

The purpose of this paper was to examine the problems and opportunities of academic prediction for different ethnic groups. Several recent studies of academic prediction for blacks and whites were reviewed in regard to: 1) the situation in which the data were obtained; 2) the prediction technique employed, and 3) the data distribution likely to give rise to the obtained prediction indices. It was suggested that a total-group regression equation which "benefits" a minority group by overpredicting mean grade may actually be very disadvantageous if accompanied by a large error of estimate. The damage can be produced by precluding selection of the most qualified minority group members and thus lowering the groups' performance. Differential process theory was proposed as a potential source of explanations for differential prediction. It was proposed that alternative strategic approaches to scholastic tasks might alter the covariance of predictor tests with grades. Finally, it was suggested that, under certain circumstances, the patterns of standardized regression weights in the prediction of grades, might suggest group difference in problem-solving strategies.     

POSTDICTION STUDY OF THE GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION AND EIGHT SEMESTERS OF COLLEGE GRADES1

Data from a postdictive study of the tests of the Graduate Record Examination and the eight semesters of undergraduate grade averages, each semester's average being computed independently of the rest, are presented. Postdictive validities of the aptitude portions of the GRE are essentially similar to predictive validities obtained earlier by the senior author. Both predictive and postdictive validity gradients over the eight semesters are relatively steep, with freshman grades having the highest correlations with the tests. The validity gradient for all advanced tests combined does not follow the pattern for the aptitude tests, but neither does it show the opposite gradient. Advanced test results are most highly correlated with sophomore grades, but the validity gradient over the eight semesters is relatively flat. A small scale extension of this research into post baccalaureate training indicated that senior grades were most predictive of graduate criteria, but a larger scale study is clearly called for. Possible implications for ability theory and for selection of graduate students are discussed.     

MODERATING THE PREDICTION OF GRADES IN FRESHMAN ENGINEERING1

This study concerned the identification of an optimal moderator within a test battery for enhancing prediction of first semester engineering grades for 522 college freshmen. Moderated multiple regression disclosed high school rank (HSR) as the best moderator of SAT-M, the best predictor, in both a validation and hold-out group. SAT-M overall validity of .39 was increased to .53 and an overall R of .47 was raised to .61 when only those highest in HSR were considered.     

THE PREDICTION OF GRADES FOR BLACK AND WHITE STUDENTS AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

The regression equations of sophomore year cumulative grade point averages on five ability and achievement test scores for blacks and whites at Michigan State University showed a significant difference. However, use of these separate regression equations would not be in favor of black students. The variance accounted for by the predictors was similar for both groups.     

从高考看中学语文教学的出路

高考与素质教育并不矛盾．人们所说的应试教育的种种弊病其实不是高考本身的过错，而是不正确的教育思想和教学评估机制造成的严重后果。中学语文教学的出路在于认真钻研教学大纲，明确语文教学方向，进行开放式教学，重视形成性测验，全面发挥语文教学的育人功能。     

THE IMPACT OF A DIFFERENTIAL SOCIAL POWER SYSTEM ON LATINOS' ATTITUDES TOWARD THE HIGH SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

The perceptions of Mexican American students’ school attitudes toward the community college and high school experiences were examined in relation to a high‐USPI (unequal social power influence) environment (higher percentage of Anglos than Mexican Americans) and a low‐USPI environment (lower percentage of Anglos than Mexican Americans). A three‐factor analysis of variance indicated significant differences in attitudes and school experiences.     

高中会考物理试题难度参数的预估

本文从高中会考的性质、目的出发,分析了会考对物理试题难度的要求,以及影响试题难度的因素,提出了会考物理试题模式和运用CTT理论预估试题难度的方法。     

广西中小学教师实施新课程的心理适应性调查及调适研究

由于新课程的实施与原有的教育环境、教育观念、评价标准、教育自身的条件都可能存在矛盾与冲突,因而,在推进基础教育课程改革的进程中,教师对新课程的心理适应性的问题显得尤为突出。运用团体测量法和个人访谈法对1679名中小学教师实施新课程的心理适应性进行了研究。结果表明,广西中小学教师实施新课程的心理适应性整体上呈良性发展态势,表现在大多数教师对新课程普遍持认同态度并积极接受,且有良好的自身发展规划、合作意识和学生观。但不可否认的是,新课程的实施同样也给教师带来了一定的心理压力。     

MEASURING INSTRUCTIONAL VALIDITY: A REPORT OF AN INSTRUCTIONAL VALIDITY STUDY FOR THE ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMINATION

Prior to the initial administration of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, this study was conducted to determine to what extent competencies to be measured by the exam were being taught in the public schools of Alabama.
Teachers of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10 were asked to report the proportion of students in their classes who had received instruction on each competency. The survey identifies a number of competencies that were not being extensively taught and provides insight as to possible reasons certain competencies are not uniformly taught.