Summarizes results from a larger report identifying both school and individual variables related to the test score decline of the 1970s. Public awareness of the relationship between changes in student and school variables and score decline will help prevent another national educational deficit of this type. (LHW)

Presents procedures for improving school district textbook adoption practices to create a better match between student and texts. Emphasizes the importance of overcoming both the traditional reliance on publishers for textbook adoption rationales, and the frequent aversion of educators toward using technologies such as student textbook readability…

Examines the legal issues concerning (1) cultural bias in educational tests; (2) the validity of employment tests; and (3) the disclosure of test materials. Discusses the legal interpretations of psychometric concepts that have arisen from recent litigation. (Author/GC)

Evaluates three strategies for controlling input-level ability differences in research utilizing ability test performance for evaluating school effectiveness: (1) longitudinal, predetermined ability measures; (2) cross-sectional, endogenous ability measures; and (3) socioeconomic measures as proxies for ability. (Author/GC)

Reviews some of the characteristics of the New York state social studies testing program and describes how new questions are developed for the test. (JDH)

Proposes new method for calculating probability that student meets eligibility criteria for special education which avoids the distortion of dichotomous classification, uses multiple sources and measurement error in a meaningful manner, and promotes the accurate use of test data in eligibility decisions. (Author/NB)

Notes that in 1985, California eighth-grade students took the first statewide history-social science test which emphasized critical thinking skills. Contends that these skills are teachable and should be a priority in social studies. Describes three approaches to critical thinking skills assessment and provides three examples. Concludes with…

Presents microcomputer-based test scoring procedure with focus on measuring student information, partial information, and misinformation based on an information theoretic approach model of knowledge assessment. Admissible probability measurement scoring procedure described removes the constraint of forced choices, where guesses are based on…

Considers the need for and status of assessment literacy for teachers. The article examines whether teachers need to assess, whether there are preservice assessment courses, what assessment courses should teach, what topics are covered in other courses, what is happening with assessment in the schools, and what is needed. (SM)

This paper considers some practical concepts and ideas related to standardized test score improvement in general and specifically to the World Institute for Computer-Assisted Teaching (WICAT) Integrated Learning System (ILS) use. Previous research cited in this paper shows that, while teachers are the most important variable in ILS utilization,…

Examines results from this year's American College Testing (ACT) program and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). There has been little change the past year in minority student scores. While average minority student scores fell by at least .1 point from last year, all minority groups have experiences long-term gains. (DF)

Discusses the use of standardized achievement scores to measure the quality of practice-oriented school improvement activities in school districts. Focuses on four areas of concern: the multiple functions of schooling; documentation and data collection; real world complexities; and ethics. Recommends that cautions be taken against exclusive…

Examines changing population demographics in the United States, including shifting student demographic projections, and discusses student-testing issues resulting from these changes. The article reviews the historical context of testing ethnic students, testing special-education students, regulatory issues surrounding the testing of ethnic pupils,…

The experiences of state and local education agencies in implementing the RMC evaluation models in their evaluations of Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I programs are discussed with emphasis on the problems encountered, suggestions for resolving these problems, and encouraging results which have been reported. Four activities are…

Examines factors contributing to increasing acceptance of and dependence on state and local educational testing. Factors examined include the accountability movement, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, National Assessment of Educational Progress, growth in statewide and local assessment, and minimum competency testing. (SM)