Independent schools are, for the most part, exempt from mandatory participation in standardized tests designed for state and federal comparisons, nor are they required to take part in comparative international assessments. The anxiety in the broader culture, however, is driving a growing interest among independent school parents (and prospective…

Objective referenced tests were scaled using the Rasch latent trait model to measure Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in grades one through eight. The tests, in the areas of reading, language and math, were scaled and linked through students, blocks of items, and test item banks. The study tests latent trait theory in a public school setting.…