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Inventory of Knowledge of General Subjects: A Transportability Study

Author(s):
Reynolds, Anne; Rosenfeld, Michael
Publication Year:
1992
Report Number:
RR-92-61
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
28
Subject/Key Words:
Elementary School Teachers, Job Analysis, Praxis Series, Teacher Qualifications

Abstract

A transportability study was conducted to determine if multidisciplinary knowledge necessary for elementary school teachers was also relevant for newly licensed (certified) secondary school teachers. This report presents the methods used to create an Inventory of Knowledge of General Subjects, describes the statistical analyses conducted, and offers conclusions regarding the relevance of the multidisciplinary content for newly licensed secondary school teachers in all subjects. Form I of the Education in the Elementary School job analysis inventory was modified by ETS staff to make it appropriate for administration to a national group of secondary school teachers. Secondary school teachers included those who taught in the middle, junior high, high, or comprehensive secondary school. The revised knowledge inventory (Knowledge of General Subjects) was sent in survey form to 5,100 secondary school teachers across the United Sates, and respondents were asked to rate the individual knowledge statements using a 5-point importance scale. Of the 140 knowledge statements on the inventory, 40% fell below the 2.50 cutpoint for one or more relevant subgroups. The 84 knowledge statements that were identified as important by the surveyed teachers and teacher educators are offered as the foundation for the development of test specifications. Evidence was also provided in this study of how well each domain was covered by the specific knowledge statements and the overall importance of each knowledge domain. The results suggest that all of the knowledge domains were judged to be adequately or well covered by the specific knowledge statements, and at least moderately important for the newly licensed secondary school teacher. Suggestions are offered regarding the relative weights each domain should receive in test specifications for the multiple subjects assessment. Six appendices include copies of the Inventory of Knowledge of General Subjects; the letter and postcard sent to participants; and charts of: 1) Demographic Characteristics of Respondents; 2) Respondent Means and Standard Deviations; and 3) Knowledge Statements Rated less than 2.50 by Relevant Subgroups. (JGL) (28pp.)

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