Background: The relation between academic self-concept and achievement has been examined in a large number of studies. The majority of these studies have found evidence for a reciprocal effects model. However, there is an ongoing debate on how students' achievement should be measured and whether the type of achievement indicator (grades, tests,…

A study to develop concordance tables between the new enhanced American College Testing Program (ACT) assessment and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), to establish new score relationships, is described. The scaling sample consisted of 40,051 students taking both tests and submitting them to 14 large universities. (Author/MSE)

A study examined the appropriateness of two methods for relating the enhanced American College Testing Program (ACT) Assessment Composite and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) total scores: equipercentile concordance and regression. Study results, potential inaccuracies, and the usefulness of institutional concordances based on their own data are…

The Anchor Test Study Manual was reviewed with the practitioner in mind. It represents an effort to equate and standardize eight commonly used elementary reading tests. Possibilities and limitations in using the manual are discussed. (BJG)

All teacher education students in Texas must pass three minimum competency examinations to be admitted to a teacher education program. The Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) contains three separate tests in reading, mathematics, and writing. West Texas State University requires all entering freshmen to submit scores from the American College…

The efficacy of Raven's Matrices in the gifted identification process is reviewed, focusing on their reliability, validity, and fairness and comparing them with other intelligence tests. It is concluded that, despite problems with narrowness of scope and standardization practices, these tests provide a useful screening device for intellectually…

This report presents the results of a nationwide survey on the freshman placement practices of American colleges and universities. The report includes subgroup analyses by degree level, affiliation, size, region, and selectivity. Sources of information used for placement in English and mathematics are reported, including the most commonly found…

Describes the administration of the U.S. Test of Economic Literacy (TEL) to eleventh and twelfth grade students in the United Kingdom and the United States. Compares British and U.S. test results. Reports that British students performed better than their U.S. counterparts. Discusses differences between British and U.S. research in economics…

The York Region Board of Education in Ontario, Canada, screens students for giftedness in grade 3. This report analyzes data produced in the 1986-87 screening procedure, involving approximately 3,400 students. The report begins with a review of procedural changes that were designed to make the screening more effective and efficient than earlier…

An alternative to the traditional standardized test of language proficiency administered to Israeli students at the end of secondary school is proposed as a means of giving schools more autonomy in the testing process. The test was designed based on the following assumptions: (1) the test matches the curriculum and not vice versa; (2) the…

Research suggests that special tests of reasoning ability are superfluous. Reading comprehension and algebra scores on common aptitude and achievement tests are highly correlated with scores on several reasoning tests. Furthermore, three programs in reasoning skills have been shown to improve reading comprehension scores in various settings. (MCG)

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) shows U.S. 4th graders scoring above the international average in both math and science, 8th graders slipping in both subjects, and 12th graders scoring at or near the bottom. Research indicates high expectations, a focused curriculum, better-prepared teachers, and balanced instruction…

Information is provided about the Delaware Educational Assessment Program and the performance of Delaware public school students as measured by a nationally-normed standardized achievement test. The Stanford Achievement Test, Eighth Edition was administered statewide, allowing comparisons with national performance and with the performance of…

Designed to help university and college faculty, academic administrators, and testing personnel select appropriate tests for college admission, this booklet provides a comparative description of the three biology examinations offered by the College Board. In separate sections, the following topics are covered: faculty improvement in test…

Designed to help university and college faculty, academic administrators, and testing personnel select appropriate tests for college admission, this booklet provides a comparative description of the three chemistry examinations offered by the College Board. In separate sections, the following topics are covered: faculty involvement in test…