Large-scale language testing uses statistical information to account for the quality of an assessment system. In this reflection article, I explain how basic statistics can be used meaningfully in the context of classroom language assessment. The paper explores a series of statistical calculations that can be used to examine test scores and…

Fitness assessment can be an important and useful component of physical education. This article discusses how to avoid the pitfalls that lead to negative student experiences with fitness assessment and presents research-based suggestions for creating a positive experience for all students. A section to help teachers understand how to use fitness…

The concept of teacher accountability assumes teachers will use data-driven decision making to plan and deliver appropriate and effective instruction to their students. In order to do so, teachers must be able to accurately interpret the data that is given to them, and that requires the knowledge of some basic concepts of assessment and…

This guide attempts to address an aspect of secondary CTE (Career and Technical Education) that has received little attention; the assessment literacy of educators. School leaders need to go beyond ensuring routine compliance with external and internal regulatory forces to identify ways in which CTE program teachers might better understand…

Knowing what students should be able to accomplish academically is the first step in knowing how to write accurate Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals. By giving students short Curriculum-Based Measurements (CBM) in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics, teachers are able to determine current level of performance, or baseline. Teachers…

Assessment is an important component for quantifying learning in higher education. With the current trends at the state and federal level, what's now merely encouraged may soon become a mandate. This article contains concise guidelines with examples designed to help instructors develop a comprehensive assessment program that provides useful…

Offers a comprehensive evaluation/grading scheme that can handle the four domains of discipline-based art education, outlining an approach for each. Addresses both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced goals, and methods for assessment. (LS)

The Nevada Criterion Referenced Tests (CRT) mandated by legislation are designed to provide a means of measuring student academic achievement and proficiency in the Nevada State Content and Performance Standards. This review guide is intended to be used by teachers and administrators as a tool to complement current efforts at preparing students…

Student Progress Monitoring (SPM) offers an effective and time-efficient way for teachers and administrators to make informed instructional decisions and quantify students' rate of progress. SPM differs from traditional standardized tests in that it involves administering short tests (typically one to five minutes) frequently, usually one or more…

Examples are given of criterion-referenced test items in mathematics and reading used at the sixth grade level in Georgia. Three skill areas are identified for mathematics: concept identification, component operations, and problem solving. Tests measure students' ability to: (1) recognize whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (2) identify…

To assist instructors in implementing Missouri's Vocational Instructional Management System into the Food Production, Management, and Services Programs, this guide sets forth the competencies identified and validated by occupational food service instructors and personnel from the food service industry. A minimum of two performance objectives per…

Intended to provide a broad introduction to the subject of student assessment, this booklet begins by discussing the role of assessment in any systematic approach to course or curriculum design and explains the difference between assessment and evaluation. Four basic features of a good student assessment procedure are then discussed, i.e.,…

Discussion of curriculum-based assessment in spelling considers spelling deficits, spelling assessment instruments, administering curriculum based spelling tests, and monitoring progress. Use of the criterion-referenced testing model provides teachers with grade-level specific and skill-specific information and can assist in individualized…

This module explains principles of competency-based education and assessment. Four competency-based curricula are outlined. The guide includes a list of definitions and uses a question-and-answer format to define competency-based education and to discuss competency-based assessment, criterion-referenced testing, and the Vocational Instructional…

This monograph is designed for educators who must make decisions about curriculum, instruction, and the training of teachers. Many important educational decisions are made based primarily, if not exclusively, on test scores. This reliance on test scores has evolved for a variety of reasons. This monograph starts with test scores as a given in…