This "Practitioner's Guide to Growth Models," commissioned by the Technical Issues in Large-Scale Assessment (TILSA) and Accountability Systems & Reporting (ASR), collaboratives of the "Council of Chief State School Officers," describes different ways to calculate student academic growth and to make judgments about the…

Contains three articles designed to help practitioners with practical assessment for the GCSE. Articles include: "GCSE Biology Practical Assessment--Can the End Justify the Means?"; "Investigating the Effect of Catalase: GCSE Assessment Practical"; and "An Experimental Design for GCSE Physics." (CW)

Describes a study in which two types of testing were used in an engineering course to determine significant differences in evaluating student performance. Results were not conclusive. (RT)

This report provides teachers, school administrators, students, and the general public with a summarized overview of results from the January 1997 administration of the Social Studies 33 Diploma Examination. The summary is divided into: (1) description of the examination; (2) achievement of standards; (3) provincial averages; (4) multiple-choice…

Presents a simple variation on multiple-choice testing that overcomes some of its drawbacks but still permits easy hand or machine grading. Gives student partial credit for partial knowledge and reduces frustration because students are no longer forced to choose between answers that they think might be correct. (JRH)

One role of counselors and educators is to use assessment in the service of students and clients. Under the right conditions and with proper use, using technology to foster assessment is a great way to go. This chapter focuses on the use of technology as a tool for testing and assessment. It emphasizes that to make proper use of technology tools,…

Articles in this series on testing and evaluation specifically address the use of tests to assess and improve educational status; achievement test selection; and trend toward increased use of coaching materials to improve test performance. Professional literature on educational measurement is reviewed. (MBR)

Describes a program in a Maryland high school where teachers set and evaluate their instructional goals at the beginning and end of the school year. (MD)

Algebraic calculators with symbolic manipulation capabilities are tools in some classrooms for 14-19 year olds, and their use in learning and teaching mathematics is likely to increase over time. Explains the reports of government-initiated working groups that consider the implications of their use in academic mathematics examinations for…

Various ways of evaluating pupil learning both before and after testing are discussed. Described are some techniques to ascertain how individual children are doing. Using pupils' errors is also considered. (MNS)

Discusses strategies to construct multiple-choice exams such that they can offer insight into the thought processes of the physics student. Discusses test evaluation basics and some writing hints. (JRH)

Describes a method for developing a paper-and-pencil test to evaluate students' understanding of the mole concept in chemistry. (ZWH)

Outlines a successful reading program developed in Wakulla County, Florida, schools where the adult illiteracy rate was seriously high. The success of this program emphasizes three points: begin with detailed needs assessment, establish clear program goals, and provide continuous evaluation.(MD)

How can schools effectively prepare students for life after high school? With the accountability standards set forth by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), there are many theories regarding standardized testing. Many schools today are adopting the goal of preparing all students for the college or the workplace. This review of current literature…

Advocates allowing students to form groups of three in which they may work together on tests. Discusses reactions of students to the arrangement. (CP)