The purpose of this study was to compare differences in methods of testing for two undergraduate online courses to determine the effect of alternate test formats in relation to participant grades. Specific purposes of this study were to determine whether a difference existed in student test scores between the control and treatment groups and…

The rank-ordering method for standard maintaining was designed for the purpose of mapping a known cut-score (e.g. a grade boundary mark) on one test to an equivalent point on the test score scale of another test, using holistic expert judgements about the quality of exemplars of examinees' work (scripts). It is a novel application of an old…

Describes efforts at the University of North Carolina to test journalism major's knowledge of grammar and spelling rules. (RB)

Suggests that educational testing is not only big business in this country, it is also a big game. The "Testing Game", as it is called, refers to an ongoing series of transitions which progress to well-defined, predictable outcomes. (Author/AM)

The technique of oral testing, viewed as a viable alternative to written tests (e.g. true-false/multiple choice and essay/objective), is examined. The goals of this technique are to (1) have tests fulfill the objectives of most teachers, and (2) thereby have examinations truly be learning experiences for students. (SH)

Online assessment of any type is attractive to educators because it allows large amounts of student data to be gathered and accessed quickly. Indeed, online, summative assessments--generally end-of-course, state-level, and placement exams--are making the annual student testing ritual a meaningful audit instead of what some call an…

This chapter outlines the concept of test anxiety and its impact on performance, manners in which to diagnose and provide accommodations for the disability, and many means by which to reduce the impact of test anxiety. Overall, it bears repeating that although the concept of test anxiety is relatively simple, understanding how it affects a given…

This discussion centers on appropriate test designs, administration strategies, and score interpretations with young children. Part of a theme issue on student assessment. (SJL)

The treatment of validity in the newest edition of "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" is quite different from coverage in earlier editions of the Standards and in most measurement textbooks. The view of validity in the 1999 Standards is discussed, and suggestions for instructors of measurement courses are offered. (Contains 56…

In this paper the author discusses the involvement of private corporations in administering educational exams. Specifically described are the company, Pearson Plc, a multi-national publishing and media conglomerate, and owner of Edexcel, one of England's three remaining "unitary awarding bodies." The intensification of the involvement of…

Last year, Hispanic and African American high school graduates met ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks in English, reading, mathematics, and science at substantially lower rates than did Asian and White graduates. For example, the rate of White graduates who were college ready in English (77%) was twice that of their African American peers (35%).…

Principals can play a pivotal role in the improvement of student learning by helping teachers develop and use sound classroom assessments that will strengthen instruction and student learning. The typical teacher will spend a quarter to a third of her or his available professional time involved in assessment-related activities. If they do it well,…

This study took place on Long Island, New York. Through an ethnographic approach, the beliefs of middle school principals regarding No Child Left Behind testing, highly qualified teachers, teacher evaluation, quality teaching, and instructional leadership were investigated. Eight principals, of differing gender and experience levels and serving in…