Public uses of tests and testing include all those materials and practices in observation of human behavior that are intended to help administrators, school boards, legislatures, taxpayers, and others to evaluate their educational systems. Pedagogical uses of tests, on the other hand, cover all those materials and practices in observation of human…

This paper presents a discussion of the use of educational tests in guidance services as seen in the light of modern developments in statistical theory and computer technology, and of the increasing demands for such services. A focus and vocabulary for this discussion is found in Turnbull's recent article on "Relevance in Testing." Following an…

The present study and a replication investigated the effects of personality variables on test scores obtained under Answer Every Item (AEI), Do Not Guess (DNG) and Coombs' Type (CT) directions. Subjects were administered a dominance scale and extreme scorers randomly assigned to one of the types of directions, then randomly assigned to complete an…

The Invitational Conference on Testing Problems has been a major convocation among the various annual meetings of those who are concerned with educational measurement. The first paper by Richard Anderson deals with the evaluation of a small part of an instructional program and deals with it in an experimental fashion. The presentation by Ethna…

A committee was charged to study the strengths and weaknesses of the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test and to prepare a position paper that would provide sound theory for the test's possible revision. (MM)

Briefly describes what is meant by the English examination system, how it has come to take the forms that it does, and why such importance is attached to it. Thereafter, some problems and developments in examinations in art and design education are considered with six examination proposals summarizing the aims of art and design studies. (Author/RK)

School psychologists frequently are involved in assessment programs for children entering kindergarten. A comparison is made between screening and assessment related to norm-based and criterion-referenced assessment. (Author)

Just as the Grey Squirrel and the Little Owl were brought to England by well-intentioned enthusiasts so also are well meaning educational enthusiasts anxious to import attainment tests from America. In the former case the results were disastrous for ecology and this research stresses some of the lessons to be learned from the American experience…

Competency-based graduation requirements provide students with a meaningful diploma, reduce illiteracy, and provide a system of quality control for schools. (Author)

Discusses what evaluation is and presents a theoretical framework for planning and conducting educational evaluation. Also includes an extensive annotated bibliography. (SL)

Describes Phase Four (contextualized literacy assessment) in the evolution of writing assessment, which would replace accountability approaches to assessment with an ecological model focusing on good instruction. Itemizes specific changes which could accompany movement into Phase Four by established assessment communities. (MM)

This theme issue focuses on the use and consequences of high stakes tests. The lead article, "High-Stakes Testing: Too Much? Too Soon?" by Sherry Freeland Walker, introduces the topic and related issues, outlining the pros and cons of high stakes testing by the states. The problem, some experts say, is that states have tried to do too much too…

Considerable testing occurs in the schools and in related educational settings. Schools are microcosms of society, and changes that affect society are also likely to affect the schools in similar ways. The composition of American society has been changing dramatically in recent years, and this particular change is one that has influenced schools…

This paper provides information on testing programs for elementary and secondary school students that are administered or coordinated by the Office of Educational Accountability within the Wisconsin State Department of Public Instruction. The first section provides background and definitions of assessment alternatives, including various types of…

The first section of this report guides Delaware educators through the decision-making process for participation in the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) for students with disabilities and for students who are dually eligible as a student with a disability and limited English proficient (SD/LEP).The second section will guide Delaware…