The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) bibliography provides an exhaustive list of references to studies adding to the understanding of the development, nature, and use of the test, and is divided into two sections: (1) the first section lists 125 annotated citations that contain research studies on the GRE; (2) the second section lists reviews…

The term "coaching" applies to a variety of types of test preparation programs which vary in length, instructional method, and content. Most research on the effectiveness of coaching has examined the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a measure of academic abilities used to predict college performance. This ERIC Digest reviews studies of…

This digest investigates the methodological practice of relying on self-reported Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and grade point average (GPA) scores on educational-psychological research, explores the differential reliability of self-reported SAT and GPA values, and examines trends of deviation in a sample of midwestern teacher education…

A brief overview of the status of state programs designed to assess teacher competency is provided. Tests commonly used by states include tests of persons who apply to educational programs (admissions tests) and tests for graduates of teacher education programs (certification tests). Admissions tests are used by 24 states, while certification…

Provides information about: (1) demographics of Hispanic Americans; (2) findings indicating poorer preparation for college of Hispanics, than of non-Hispanic Whites; (3) roles of sociocultural characteristics and encouragement by school personnel; (4) predictive value of Hispanic high school grades and college admission test scores; and (5)…

As a result of the recent growth in homeschooling in the United States, colleges and universities have received an increasing number of applications from home-schooled students. Admissions officers have found it necessary to assess whether and how their admissions requirements should be modified to allow fair review of the credentials submitted by…

The results of the annual survey of state teacher testing programs in 1990 are summarized. State directors of teacher testing programs were contacted in the summer of 1990 and asked to update the data compiled in 1989 by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Tests, Measurement, and Evaluation. The results show that 46 states required teacher testing in 1990.…

In December 1991, the South Carolina Supreme Court ordered the State Board of Education to stop using the Education Entrance Examination (EEE) for licensing parents who want to teach their children at home. In ruling that the test's validation process did not meet a standard of reasonableness, the Court established a significant precedent for test…

A brief introduction to the topic of gender bias and fairness in testing is provided. A test is biased if men and women with the same ability levels tend to obtain different scores. The conditions under which a test is administered, the wording of individual test items, and a student's attitude toward the test can affect test results. While gender…

This digest investigates seven of the most prevalent and damaging myths about literacy in the United States. In response to various claims about American elementary and secondary students' test score declines in reading achievement, the author interprets data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the International…

This digest summarizes the results of the latest annual survey of state teacher testing programs. State directors of teacher testing programs were contacted in the summer of 1989 and asked to update the data compiled by the American Institutes for Research in 1988. Data indicate that: (1) states commonly use admission tests for applicants to…

Examining testing practices in other countries can help formulate ideas and issues in establishing a national assessment system in the United States. Based on recent reports by the Office of Technology and Assessment and the National Endowment for the Humanities, this digest provides an overview of the national examinations in several European…

This monograph addresses the need for improved counseling services for Hispanic students in order to promote their interest in higher education, prepare them for the task of getting admitted, and help them find financial aid. This is discussed as a functional process for which school counseling personnel have primary responsibility, and it is…