Suggests three techniques for assuring the content validity of classroom/shop tests: build a bank of content-valid test items; develop valid tests based on a carefully prepared table of specifications; and check the validity of tests already developed. A self-test is included for the reader. (CT)

This guide was developed for State, agency, and/or facility administrators who provide education for children and youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at risk (N or D). The guide provides basic information about the ideal characteristics of a pre-post test and highlights important features to consider when requesting and evaluating information…

This booklet is intended to help curriculum development personnel select an appropriate task list verification technique. The first sections of the guide introduce the concept of verification of task lists, provide a rationale for it, and define various terms connected with verification. The following four sections describe and make a case for…

Discusses one attempt to find innovative answers for questions regarding advanced English-as-a-Second-Language writing-placement testing. (MG)

In foreign language testing, as in all testing, validity is the primary criterion for test quality. However plausible the concept of validity, in practice it is not always easy to arrive at congruence between the test situation and the real-life situation the learner is expected to master. Some language educators make authenticity a major…

A well developed multiple choice test is a reliable instrument for grading students and evaluating teacher presentation. There are three steps in the development of a valid multiple choice examination: 1) design or "blueprinting," 2) item construction, and 3) item analysis and evaluation. "Blueprinting" is the identification of the types of…

A discussion of good test criteria reviews the basic concepts of test theory, examines four types of validity, outlines the concept of reliability and its coefficients and limitations, makes suggestions for gauging test quality, and demonstrates use of the standard error of measurement for estimating the likelihood of misgrading. (MSE)

Explores the potential for using computers in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Describes a prototype computer based system designed to assist teachers in the assessment of reading difficulties. (FL)

Presents an instrument for assessing an individual student's decoding abilities by having a teacher analyze a student's attempts to pronounce a fictitious list of children's first and last names. Argues that the instrument is valid and reliable. (MG)

Describes the Luiten, Ames, Bradley Readability Variation Method for estimating the variation within a text. Concludes that it is practical and relatively accurate. (HOD)

College students in an introductory psychology course constructed a personality test. They were then asked to administer the test to two students not enrolled in the course and to bring responses to class the following week, at which time they analyzed and discussed the results. (RM)

The article addresses the usefulness of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) in assessing various levels of arithmetic performance. The mathematics subtest of the PIAT is considered in terms of purpose; mathematical abilities subsections (foundations, basic facts, applications); diagnostic testing (the error analysis matrix); and poor…

Argues that teachers need to become "informed consumers" of standardized tests in order to influence decisions about test use and about ways to help students perform at their best. Six strategies for considering the content of a test form are presented. (LR)

Addresses the role of affect in writing by describing the psychological construct of writer self-efficacy. Presents the Writer Self-Perception Scale that teachers may use to assess classroom writing climates and children's perceptions of themselves as writers. Describes the instrument, its administration and scoring, assessment and instructional…

A content outline, learning exercises, and student handouts for a high school unit on logic are presented. The following 11 modules are included: (1) introduction; (2) deductive logic; (3) inductive logic; (4) fallacy: an introduction; (5) fallacy of ambiguity; (6) fallacies of presumption: overlooking the facts; (7) fallacies of presumption:…