This report examines the current use of standardized reading tests in British schools seven years after a critical government report. Included in the review is a discussion of the variables affecting test development and use, as well as four recommendations for future testing policy. (AM)

Examines the policy initiatives of the National Curriculum and the National Assessment and Testing programs in Great Britain. Argues that school-based teacher assessment and centralized testing lend themselves to professional accountability and market accountability. Concludes that an official policy of advocating both methods will create…

Discusses gender differences apparent in British public examination entry patterns and outcomes. Questions whether examinations should be designed for equal outcomes and the assumption that assessment techniques may differentially affect performances of males and females. Argues that because other factors such as different experiences and…

Examines problems with using public examinations to monitor educational standards over time. Educational standards cannot be measured with reference to pass rates, and a static examination standard cannot be applied from year to year, since applying the same standard repeatedly becomes more and more meaningless the further apart the comparison…

Uses 11 data sets from 6 local British education authorities to examine the relationship between student performance on fifth-form examinations and school effectiveness. Presents hierarchical linear modeling to account for differences in prior attainment, gender, and social background. Finds few differences in school impact on performance. Urges…

A COMPARISON OF PRESERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION STUDENTS WAS PERFORMED IN THE AREAS OF (1) TEACHER ATTITUDES AND PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS, (2) GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION, (3) PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE, AND (4) GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. ALMOST 5,000 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES…

In this comprehensive review, important studies from the literature relevant to the impact of ability grouping on students are summarized. The following are considered: the effect of heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping practices on academic achievement and affective development; the tendency of ability grouping to produce separation of students…