Lawrence H. Cross

Teachers' Decisions To Transfer From Special To General Education

We investigated why some special education teachers choose to stay in teaching, but leave their special education assignments. In addition, we identified deterrents and potential incentives that might lead former special educators to reconsider teaching positions in special education. Questionnaires from 286 respondents were analyzed. The primary reasons cited for leaving special education suggest that teachers transfer from special to general education because of administrative factors and the stress involved in working with special education students. Implications for educational agencies are addressed.

Testing a Model of Teacher Satisfaction for Blacks and Whites

The purpose of this study was to construct and test a model of the influences affecting early-career teachers’ job satisfaction. The path model is presented and tested first with a sample of black teachers and then with a sample of white teachers. Although the model provides a plausible explanation for the relationships among the variables for both groups, differences in the structural coefficients indicate the process leading to teacher job satisfaction is different for blacks and whites. The implications of this study suggest it may be critical to take into account factors such as race and sex in teacher induction and training.

Adulthood and Reminiscence: A Descriptive Study.

Abstract Although reminiscence is a behavior common to all ages, research to date has been conducted only with older adults. This study sought to explore the phenomenon with adults of various ages with the anticipation that comparative information would lead to a better conceptualization of the behavior and its functions. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in what adults reminisced about, why they reminisced, or how they reminisced with respect to age, sex, education, or socioeconomic status. A sample of 309 adults ranging in age from 18 to 90 were asked to complete a survey exploring various aspects of reminiscence. Analysis of variance and chi‐square were used to assess differences in reminiscent behavior across age, sex, education, and social class. There were no systematic differences with regard to education or social class. On several dimensions sex emerged as a more important variable than age, suggesting that age may not be as important a consideration in simple reminiscence as ...

Random Guessing, Correction for Guessing, and Reliability of Multiple-Choice Test Scores

Guessing on a multiple-choice test item may be categorized as random (among all choices) or informed (some wrong choices eliminated). An expression is derived which permits determination of reliability change when random guessing is curtailed and informed guessing retained. Application of the derived expression to hypothetical and real data shows that small improvements in reliability will occur in this case except under highly implausible circumstances. Discussion follows on use of correction-for-guessing instructions to curtail random guessing. Possible reasons are given for frequently observed decreases in reliability when correction-for-guessing instructions are applied.

Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: Does Exercise Training Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND: Although postmenopausal women are encouraged to exercise to preserve bone mineral density (BMD), few studies have looked at what type of exercise is most effective. OBJECTIVE: To review current data on the effects of exercise training on BMD in postmenopausal women when measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). METHODS: Thirteen studies met defined inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Length of exercise intervention was annualized, and only one effect at each region of interest (lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck, or distal forearm) per intervention group was recorded. RESULTS: Overall, exercise training had a positive effect on BMD of the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck. Aerobic exercise alone and in combination with strength training positively affected lumbar vertebrae BMD. Aerobic exercise also preserved BMD at the femoral neck. CONCLUSION: These findings provide support for regular aerobic activity in postmenopausal women to offset age-related declines in BMD.

Using Choice-Weighted Scoring of Multiple-Choice Tests for Determination of Grades in College Courses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using choice-weighted scores as a basis for assigning grades in college courses. Both empirical and logical weighting procedures were considered. Consistent with previous research, the reliability and validity indices found in this study offer little to recommend either type of choice-weighted scoring over number-right scoring. However, an overwhelming majority of students expressed a preference (via questionnaire) for choice-weighted scoring. The unique potential for choice-weighted scoring to enhance the teaching/testing process is discussed.