Uses several thought experiments to explore the potential impact of the choice of criterion on the results of examinee-centered studies. Conclusions from these experiments are then used to examine the different cutting scores from several contrasting groups studies on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (SLD)

Responds to a negative evaluation of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and asserts that a review of the evidence for the NAEP performance standards indicates that there is support for the current approach to NAEP standard setting. Considers the scholarship of the NAS evaluation…

Takes issue with support of the standard setting process of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) advanced by critics of the evaluation of the standard setting process by the National Academy of Sciences and asserts that the achievement level descriptions developed for the NAEP no longer adhere to policy statements defining the…

Following a review of educational standard-setting experiences in the United States, the procedures used by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to arrive at a consensus on educational objectives are described. These objectives represent the only definitions of educational quality that are widely accepted by professional and lay…

Clarifies the differences between two different approaches to the reporting of National Assessment of Educational Progress results using standards: anchor levels and achievement levels. Identifies critical issues related to the use of these approaches and provides a balanced view of their advantages. (SLD)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress incorporates key elements of a responsible standard-setting process: (1) choice of educational objective; (2) description of current group performance ranges and trends; and (3) the identification of educational contexts differentially related to performance. NAEP results can direct public values…

The steady growth of state testing programs and its implications for the measurement community are discussed in terms of testing purposes (monitoring, accountability, and curriculum advancement) and test development, administration, and reporting. It is important that the measurement community address crucial issues to maintain its substantial…

The relevance of state results on tests of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is illustrated with data from the "Digest of Education Statistics--1990" (U.S. Department of Education). Evidence indicates that the contributions of state differences such as economic or demographic differences to NAEP results cannot be…