The authors describe challenges of following professional standards for educational achievement testing due to the complexity of gathering appropriate evidence to support demanding test interpretation and use. Validity evidence has been found to be low for some individual testing standards, leading to the possibility of faulty or impoverished test…

"Assessing Learning in the Primary Classroom" is an accessible introduction to the concepts critical to a professional understanding of this vital aspect of a teacher's role. It comprehensively considers the principles underpinning effective assessment, the different forms it can take and the different purposes it serves, both within and beyond…

The vast majority of measures have, at their core, a purpose of personal and social change. If test developers and users want measures to have personal and social consequences and impact, then it is critical to consider the consequences and side effects of measurement in the validation process itself. The consequential basis of test interpretation…

The performance of two developmentally delayed Down's Syndrome children on the Uzgiris-Hunt Scales (UHS) of psychological development is discussed in detail to illustrate the applicability of the scales to developmentally delayed children. This work was carried out at the Garden Park School for trainable and multiple-handicapped children in…

Statewide testing can serve four important functions: can illustrate superior results of a group of schools where no one would expect it and raise questions about how they accomplished it; statewide testing deals with the generally lower scores of disadvantaged minorities, it can put the differences in perspective by showing comparable differences…

In conjunction with testing mandates, some states have developed new measures intended to reflect changes in thinking about reading. Discusses, in dialogue form, whether these new measures support educational improvement or limit them. (BJV)

Describes the Dutch educational assessment system. Lists a number of critical remarks relative to the problems found in this assessment program. Suggests principles upon which a better examination system could be based. Points out ways in which this model would eliminate psychometric, educational, and political objections to the examination…

The realities of inappropriate and sometimes unethical testing practices must be confronted to make sure that current assessments are as reliable and effective as possible. While this paper does not attempt to provide practical guidelines for ethical and appropriate testing, it does draw a picture of appropriate and ethical testing practices. All…

This monograph is a comprehensive presentation and discussion of the 1972-73 National Assessment mathematics data. It is a report from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Project for Interpretive Reports on National Assessment. The report examines data from four age groups (nine, thirteen, seventeen, and adult) and evaluates…

Argues that teachers should be encouraged to use not just pencil-and-paper tests but also observations, interviews, and even students' journals to gather information on which to base their evaluations. (PK)

Many of the recent appeals for educational improvement place great reliance on standardized tests as instruments of reform. The appropriateness and interpretation of these tests remain unresolved issues. Concepts of cognitive psychology should be integrated into the development of intelligence and achievement tests. (Author/VM)

This report is designed to assist states and districts as they consider the issues surrounding the use of non-approved testing accommodations for students with disabilities, including changes in test setting, timing, scheduling, presentation, or response. Recommendations are provided for ways to use and report data from assessments taken with…

This document presents five scenarios, each referring to a means of assessing learning. These examples are then used to discuss pitfalls faced when tests are used to assess learning, and the conclusion is reached that testing should play a supportive role only, not a major role in the quest for excellence. Effective schools research shows that…

Developed from a comparison of the writing performance of eighth grade students in Delaware with a representative national group, this writing resource guide provides a detailed description of the state's writing assessment procedure and offers educators guidance in evaluating student writing and improving student writing skills. After describing…

Standardized achievement and aptitude tests may be of very limited value in making placement or instructional decisions about bilingual students. The practice of categorizing standardized test scores by ethnic groups obscures the difficulties of administering and interpreting tests taken by bilinguals. Individuals who are bilingual have two…