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The Validity of the Descriptive Tests of Language Skills: Relationships to Direct Measures of Writing Ability and to Grades in Introductory College English Courses DTLS

Author(s):
Jackson, Rex; Weiss, David A.
Publication Year:
1983
Report Number:
RR-83-27
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
18
Subject/Key Words:
College Board, Descriptive Tests of Language Skills, English Instruction, Grade Prediction, Language Skills, Reading Comprehension, Test Validity, Validity Studies, Writing Skills

Abstract

The Descriptive Tests of Language Skills (DTLS)—comprising tests of reading comprehension, logical relationships, vocabulary, usage, and sentence structure developed by the College Board—are designed to help colleges assess the language skills of entering students for placement and instructional planning purposes. A complete description of the DTLS and of field trials of the tests may be found in the Guide to the Use of the Descriptive Tests of Language Skills (College Entrance Examination Board, 1978). Performance data on the DTLS for entering college students were collected through a pilot study of 4,234 students in 16 colleges. (18pp.)

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