This article presents the perspective that the quality of teacher-made, small classroom tests has not improved, and may have declined in recent years. This decline may be due to the fact that teachers have come to believe that the kinds of objective items used in national standardized tests are the only item types appropriate for classroom use.…

A study explored the nature and quality of teacher-developed assessment instruments. Teachers (n=228) from a range of grades, subjects, and school districts described patterns of test use, concerns about assessment, and use of performance assessment by completing an extensive questionnaire. The research was conducted to determine: (1) teachers'…

Conducted to define in detail the ingredients contributing to an effective classroom assessment environment, this study explored the assessment methods actually used by classroom teachers through case study observations and teacher journals. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the report. Chapter 2 presents the findings of a review of the literature…

Classroom-based measures, including self-developed tests and tests provided with instructional materials, aid teachers far more than standardized tests. Yet administrators, researchers, and teacher educators emphasize the latter to the detriment of education. New research and training emphases, greater public awareness, and a resultant…

The relationship between high school students' feelings of efficacy and efforts to study and teachers' classroom testing practices was examined. Questionnaires were administered in four high schools in biology, geometry, English, and United States history classes; a total of 69 classes participated. Some teachers were also interviewed. Students'…