This paper represents a tribute to the career of Ralph Winfred Tyler, whose publication "Constructing Achievement Tests" served as the basis for most of the major efforts in evaluation since 1934. Tyler's career is traced from his doctoral studies at the University of Chicago to his guidelines for national assessment. (LMO)

The authors report on the discovery of a nineteenth century document that illustrates an early example of educational measurement, namely the "Scale-Book" developed by George Fisher (1862). The text of Fisher's document is appended. (TJH)

Background information about the first mathematics examinations given at Harvard in the academic year 1854-55 is given. The two instructors, Pierce and Eliot, responsible for the innovation are discussed. (MK)

Presents an overview of the applications of microcomputer-based assessment and diagnosis for both educational and psychological placement and interventions. Advantages of computer-based assessment (CBA) over paper-based testing practices are described, the history of computer testing is reviewed, and the construct validity of computer-based tests…

Since 1915, the movement to test reading ability has grown in importance and pervasiveness. Testing is relied on to offer quantitative information, to determine the usefulness of instructional approaches, and to help ensure accountability. The demand for tests arose during the period from 1990 to 1992 when school became compulsory and educators…

Examines the historical course of reading-comprehension assessment practices over 25 years (from the 1970s to the mid-1990s), examining changing views of reading processes, practices, and policies. Characterizes progress in terms of political and practical constraints. Finds that, although very different formats are used today, the functions of…

The career of Stuart Appleton Courtis in the growth of testing and educational measurement parallels the development of progressive education in the first half of the twentieth century. In 1909 he developed the standardized Courtis Arithmetic Test, Series A, the first objective test used in any city public schools. Continuing his work in testing,…

The drop in national test scores has led to many changes in mathematics education. This article presents a historical account of mathematics test results for California and for American youth. (Author/DF)

Traces the history of experimental educational research, based on application of the scientific method to pedagogy. Highlights the beginnings of educational research in German studies of psychology and child development; U.S. development of standardized tests and research-based administration; and European experimental studies. Discusses the…

The author examines previous efforts to establish certifying examinations for high school students and their effects on curriculum and students, particularly minorities. Also, to introduce readers to the rest of this theme issue on testing, he briefly discusses test validity, cutoff scores, and effects on teachers. (SJL)

In the United States today tests of the ability to perform well in school divide society and define opportunity. Higher education has become a major focus of aspirations people hold for their children, and educational testing determines who qualifies for higher education. This history recounts the development of intelligence testing and its early…

Educators have kept up a continual bombardment against one-room schools. It has been pointed out that one teacher working alone with all grades and with pupils of all ages can not be expected to accomplish results equal to the results made possible by the specialization of the well-graded school. The present-day practice of attempting to evaluate…

Explores the history of testing, motivations for testing, testing procedures, and the inevitable limitations of testing. Argues that writing program faculty and administrators must clarify and profess their values, decide what they want students to know and what sort of thinkers they should be, and develop tests reflecting those needs. (SR)

This article reviews developments in the field of educational measurement over the preceding 20 years, focusing on criterion-referenced measurement, item response theory, standard-setting methods, and equating methods. (TJH)

The association between Lewis M. Terman and the World Book Company is traced in order to gain insight about the role of test publishing in the testing movement. The test publisher assumes the position of an intermediary between the test developer and the educational administrator responsible for making decisions about test adoption. Terman began…