A sample of 1,731 North Carolina high school students who initially failed the state Competency Test registered improvements on subsequent reexaminations. The gains were apparently stable and related more to in-school factors than to individual background characteristics. (Author/PN)

Standard-setting practices in states using the National Teachers Examination (NTE) were examined. Passing score-setting procedures, recommended study scores, passing scores established by the states, and the implications of the passing scores were studied. States have typically adopted standards lower than cut scores recommended by advisory…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether teachers perceived Florida's high-stakes testing program to be taking public schools in the right direction. More importantly, we sought to understand "why" teachers perceived the tests to be taking schools in the right or wrong direction. Based on the survey results of 708 teachers,…

This study, taking place in a grade 9 class in an urban south-eastern Ontario community, sought to answer two research questions: What are the factors that impede or facilitate the implementation of multiple assessments? What are students' views of being assessed using multiple assessments? In the end, five factors emerged that impeded the…

Over the past five years the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has used the results of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) to rate public school performance on the School Accountability Report (SAR). The public often considers the school ratings as indicative of the school's quality. There appears to be a lack of quantitative…

Sacramento City College's Assessment Center was created in response to growing numbers of students arriving at the college without basic verbal skills and a lack of uniform testing standards. Since its creation, the Center has undertaken research studies to provide objective evidence as to the nature of the student population to be served by the…

The New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test (NJCBSPT) was instituted in 1978 as a proficiency examination designed to measure the reading, writing, and mathematics skills of students entering college. In spring and summer 1982, 51,135 students at New Jersey's state and county colleges and at 10 independent colleges took the NJCBSPT. Of…

A survey was conducted to ascertain the amount and type of external testing (defined as any test introduced from outside the classroom) of English/language arts being administered throughout the province of British Columbia (Canada) during the 1985-1986 school year. Teachers and administrators were also given the opportunity to comment on the…

The Maryland Functional Mathematics Test, Level II (MFMT-II) assesses Maryland students' mastery of functional mathematics skills that are described in the Declared Competencies Index published in 1980 by the Maryland State Department of Education. The test is also used to certify students for graduation from high school and to identify students…

The Maryland Functional Mathematics Test, Level II (MFMT-II) assesses Maryland students' mastery of functional mathematics skills that are described in the Declared Competencies Index published in 1980 by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The test is also used to certify students for graduation from high school and to identify…

The Maryland Functional Reading Test, Level II (MFRT-II) assesses Maryland students' mastery of functional reading skills that are described in the Declared Competencies Index published by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) in 1980. The test is also used to certify students for graduation from high school and to identify those who…

The Maryland Functional Reading Test, Level II (MFRT-II) assesses Maryland students' mastery of functional reading skills that are described in the Declared Competencies Index published by the Maryland State Department of Education in 1980. The test is used to certify students for high school graduation and to identify those in need of assistance…

The statewide teaching performance assessment instruments being used in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida were examined. Forty-one reliability and validity studies regarding the instruments in use in each state were collected from state departments and universities. Georgia uses the Georgia Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument. North…

In 1985, Virginia state law was amended to change the birth date for automatic eligibility for kindergarten from December 31 to September 30. The law allowed school districts to admit young children with birthdays from October 1 through December 31, provided the children were tested for kindergarten readiness. Testing for admission to school for…

Evidence of the validity of the National Teacher Examinations' (NTEs') Early Childhood Education Test (ECET) as it is used in the New York City School System is presented. The NTE Core Battery and Specialty Area Tests are used as part of the alternative process for teacher licensure in New York City. The ECET measures knowledge and skills required…