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Performance based assessment is currently receiving renewed attention as an alternative to conventional testing. We argue that performance based assessment, supported by a microcredentialing system, is particularly well suited to corporate environments that stress strategic development of their workforce capacities. There are important implications for job task analysis, integration of assessment and training, and training management.

This article describes a study conducted by Judith A. Hale and Debbie L. Page to identify the domains required for sustainable school improvement efforts. The results were used to develop a proficiency-based certification for school improvement specialists offered by the International Society for Performance Improvement. They were also used to support the development of professional standards, a scoring rubric, and curricula for school improvement. (Contains 4 tables.)

This document is a special feature in the journal Performance Improvement, featuring an interview with Jack Phillips and Patti Phillips. Jack Phillips is the chairman of the ROI Institute and an established thought leader and author, while Patti Phillips is the CEO of the ROI Institute and serves on the ISPI Board of Directors. They discuss their work in performance improvement, their accomplishments, and their focus on research, measurement, and evaluation. They have received numerous awards and recognition for their work and continue to educate, write, consult, and speak about ROI. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a special feature in the journal "Performance Improvement" that includes interviews with two members of the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). The first interview is with Yvon Dalat, who discusses his attraction to performance improvement and his work in the learning industry. He also shares his achievements, including his family and his involvement in nonprofit organizations. The second interview is with Peter Baverso, who talks about his work in performance improvement and his pride in introducing cognitive diversity and humanizing the workplace. He also discusses his current roles and contact information. [Extracted from the article]

SPECIAL FEATURE: KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES - MARGO MURRAY AND NANCY CRAIN BURNS Guy also served as ISPI president and is now serving as one of our ISPI historians, along with Margo Murray and Roger Addison. IN THIS SECTION, Dr. Judith Hale and Dr. Nancy Crain Burns interview International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) members so that readers can learn about colleagues. [Extracted from the article]

Discusses certification for members of ISPI (International society for Performance Improvement) and how it can enable a different level of conversation with clients, and allows clients to identify competent practitioners who can improve human performance and have committed to a code of ethics. (LRW)

Short bio Dr. Parker is a learning and development strategist at Ford Motor Company and currently leads the transformation of learning technology platforms for the Global Talent organization. INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE JOHNSON, PHD Graph What attracted you to PI, human performance technology, and ISPI? SPECIAL FEATURE: KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES - STEPHANIE JOHNSON AND MARSHA PARKER. [Extracted from the article]

Describes five teaching techniques that are multi-sensory and/or facilitate a particular cerebric hemisphere processing: (1) design of holistic materials; (2) structure of language to circumvent resistance; (3) use of videotapes to increase visual perception; (4) use of slides to increase visual acuity; and (5) use of audiotapes to increase auditory acuity. (Author/JJD)

Purpose: Currently, there is no internationally accepted way to measure the competency of wheelchair service professionals. The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals aims to develop a Wheelchair Service Provision – Basic Test as a preliminary step towards establishing a certification process.Method: A team of wheelchair service provision experts developed test questions and conducted alpha and beta testing in order to validate them. Low-performing test items were eliminated. A pilot test was then conducted, which focused on developing a pass score, determining language barriers and validating the test as a measure of competency.Results: 90 participants completed one of three versions of the Wheelchair Service Provision – Basic Test. A pass score of 70% was established and 135 questions were accepted for the final test. Analysis of variance indicated there was a difference in scores based on language (p = 0.001), but not based on experience level. This result motivated translation in to the United Nations’ official languages.Conclusions: The results indicate that the Wheelchair Service Provision – Basic Test is a valid method for measuring basic competency of wheelchair professionals. Additionally, researchers recommend a skills assessment to help to ensure only qualified wheelchair professionals receive the certificate. Implications for RehabilitationIdentify key steps in contextually appropriate test development.Describe the components of a contextually appropriate, reliable, and valid test for basic wheelchair service provision.Identify methods used for contextually appropriate test validation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The accuracy of(1) conventional wet-mount examination,(2) Papanicolaoustained gynecologic smears,(3) a direct slide test using fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis, and(4) two different culture media for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis in a high-risk population of 600 women was compared. Use of Feinberg-Whittington or Diamond's culture medium resulted in a diagnosis of 82 and 78 cases, respectively, and the combination of two cultures identified 88 infected women. In comparison, wet-mount examination detected only 53 (60%) of the cases. Cytologic smears were interpreted as positive for T vaginalis in 49 (56%) of the 88 cases but also resulted in seven false-positive smears, and specimens from 18 women with negative cultures were interpreted as "suspicious" for trichomoniasis. Monoclonal antibody staining detected 76 (86%) of the 88 positive specimens, including 27 (77%) of the 35 cases missed by wet-mount examination. In summary, wetmount and cytologic studies were insensitive, and cytology study was the least specific method for diagnosis of trichomoniasis. Direct immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies holds promise as a sensitive and specific alternative to cultures for rapid detection of T vaginalis in clinical specimens.