Arvil S. Barr, University of Wisconsin education professor, was born in Selvin, Indiana, January 10, 1892. He graduated from Indiana University in 1915, attended the University of Chicago, 1918-1920, and received his Ph.D. from Wisconsin in 1929. Barr taught at Wisconsin from 1924 to 1962, eventually specializing in courses in educational psychology, statistics, and teacher education. He was particularly interested in educational testing, teaching machines, and teacher evaluation and quality prediction. Internationally prominent, Barr served at various times as president of the International Congress of Education, of the American Educational Research Association, and of the National Society of College Teachers of Education. He edited the Journal of Educational Research, 1928-1962, and the Journal of Experimental Education, 1932-1962, and cooperated in the formation of their publishing company, Dembar Publications, Inc. Besides these activities and extensive publication of articles and books, Barr was an active member of the University faculty. He served on several committees and chaired the State Coordinating Committee of Graduate Studies; served as adviser to graduate students; and taught a full load of courses. His career was ended by his death in spring, 1962.
