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…

Item banking offers psychometric efficiency and user flexibility when compared with standardized testing. This article discusses the theories, procedures, and potential of item banks for improving educational measurement. (BS)

Very few studies of variations in grouping students for instructional purposes have concerned themselves with the legal aspects of the practice of separating children into classes. The legal problems facing those who make decisions related to sorting children for purposes of instruction were considered. (Author/RK)

Whether assessment items administered using screen reading software measure students learning better than assessment items in a paper-and-pencil format was studied. Using a computer to present a test orally controls for standardization of administration and allows each student to complete the assessment at his/her own pace. In this study, 96…

This paper explores the development of universal design and considers its application to large-scale assessments. Universal design is a concept that originated in the field of architecture, but quickly expanded into environmental initiatives, recreation, the arts, health care, and now, education. In addition to the concept's application to…

This chapter briefly describes some of the methods that test developers and psychometricians have devised to identify item and test bias and some of the challenges they still face. Although it may not be reasonable for classroom teachers to use these methods on a day-to-day basis in constructing tests, the authors argue that it is important for…

Delaware students must meet world-class standards if they are to be competitive and successful in a global economy. To prepare our students for their future, schools must support rigorous standards and each of teachers must set high expectations. Students must also commit themselves to the achievement of excellence. Any system that hopes to…

Three questions are discussed concerning this test: for what population is it appropriate; what is its purpose; and what are the qualifications required for proper administration and interpretation? It is concluded that it is a useful test, but caution is appropriate in answering the three questions. (CTM)

A defense is presented against the criticism that school psychologists who critically evaluate the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) are biased (TM 504 174). (MH)

Assesses the applicability of corrective feedback (CF) testing, which allows multiple attempts to respond to a test item, to the community college classroom. Compares CF testing to single answer testing, especially with regard to reliability, equitability, and effect on student motivation. (DD)

Attempts to determine what effect, if any, a color's hue or value has on the elementary school child's perception of apparent weight. (Author/RK)

Discusses issues involved in the construction, validity, and use of tests that evaluate educational progress, especially those that assess higher-order cognitive functioning. Reviews the four articles in this special issue. (FMW)

Identifies questions pertinent to the issue of assessment. Notes that comparison of student achievements has negative social and psychological consequences. Suggests problems which are inherent in the process of assessment by objectives. Urges the measurement of the progress of each pupil from one stage of learning to the next. (KO)

Diagnostic procedures commonly employed by school psychologists have been shown to be not only of limited validity for diagnostic purposes, but also of questionable relevance to intervention. Educational resources should be devoted to refining teacher-based systems of referral and diagnosis. Appropriate roles for the school psychologist are…

The psychometric literature is replete with comprehensive discussions of test validity, test validation, and the characteristics of quality assessment programs. The most authoritative source for guidance regarding sound test development and evaluation practices is the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. However, the Standards are…