Describes the National Assessment of Educational Progress program, its nationwide testing program, past results of the program, and desired results of the 1976-77 testing currently underway. (SL) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Tests and combinations of tests for evaluating science programs that are designed to incorporate content, process skills, and problem-solving skills are discussed. Described are the use of written and practical tests, observation and discussion, and projects and written work. (CW)

Reviewed are several attempts to assess the science skills of elementary school youngsters including the First International Science Study (1970); The Second IEA Science Study (1986); the British Assessment of Performance Unit (1985); and two National Assessment of Educational Progress studies (1972-73 and 1986). Study characteristics are noted,…

Hands-on science activities and first-hand experiences of kindergartners studying trees demonstrate the true meaning of authentic assessment. The activities and teacher interactions had several things in common: (1) they asked students to perform or create something; (2) they invoked real-world applications; (3) they showed that there is more than…