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In this study, we investigated the importance of occasion as a source of error variance in (a) estimates of the dependability (generalizability) of science assessment scores and (b) the interchangeability of science test formats. Two science tests were developed to measure 8th-grade students' knowledge of concepts related to electricity and electric circuits: A hands-on assessment that provided students with equipment to manipulate and an analogous pencil-and-paper version. Students were administered both tests on 2 occasions, approximately 1 month apart. Results of the univariate generalizability results showed that explicitly recognizing occasion as a facet of error variance altered the interpretation about the substantial sources of error in the measurement and gave lower estimates of the dependability of science scores. Including occasion as an explicit source of variance in the multivariate generalizability analyses influenced the interpretation of the observed correlation between hands-on and pencil-and-paper scores but had little influence on the estimated disattenuated correlation between assessment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the Blue Line corridor, a 22-mile rail transportation route that connects downtown Los Angeles to downtown Long Beach. The line passes through some of the most neglected and poorest communities in Los Angeles County. Despite initial rhetoric by rail advocates and local politicians the line has not succeeded in improving the economic environment of adjacent communities. In this paper we use the Blue Line as a case-study in an effort to understand the real and perceived barriers to growth around inner city station areas. Based on information gathered through a series of interviews with politicians, planners, community leaders and transportation experts, and site analysis data from extensive field-work, we identify the 'missing antecedents' for neighbourhood development around inner city station areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the performance of 13 mobile testing units (MTUs) and rapid HIV testing technology in Los Angeles County as reflected in the relationship between the cognitive strategies used by MTU staff regarding instructions to clients about picking up their test results and returning for test results, and following up with those clients who did not return, and the spatial distribution of MTUs and AIDS rates in 2003. Maps were created using geographic information systems (GIS) data on 93 MTU testing locations and 2003 AIDS cases data. MTU staff (N = 45) were interviewed and several themes were identified. MTU testing locations were clustered near high AIDS rate areas. Staff reports were obtained on 24 clients in the past 6 months who received HIV-negative test results and 24 clients during the same time period who received HIV-positive test results. Staff strategies that were used included keeping clients with them while rapid test results were being processed and adjusting to clients' schedules when arranging for picking up test results. Some staff used tangible incentives such as vouchers for area businesses to encourage preliminary HIV-positive clients to return for confirmatory test results. Staff also sought to convince clients who preliminarily tested HIV-positive to convert from anonymous to confidential testing in order to facilitate clients' linkage to treatment. The GIS findings and client risk data support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy of implementing MTUs and rapid testing in large urban communities with high AIDS rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]