Results of the differences between cross-lagged panel correlations and of the consistency of them for 2,429 students within the first eight grades suggested that attitudes toward mathematics is causally predominant over mathematics achievement for what variance is shared in common. (Author/GK)

A test of whether metacognition is a separate factor from cognition was conducted by measuring the effects of metacognitive factors in problem solving, while attempting to hold relevant cognitive factors constant. Learning disabled subjects were less skilled in metacognition with respect to knowledge about cognition and regulation of cognition.…

In studying the effectiveness of different instructional programs, a criterion measure can favor one of the programs because there is greater overlap between the content covered on the test and in that program. This overlap can be measured using teacher estimates or teacher estimates combined with curriculum analysis. (Author/BW)

In December of 2004, media outlets across the country were abuzz with news of the just-released results of the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) tests. Once again despite highly publicized efforts to reform American math education over the past two decades, the United States did little better than average. Taken…

The consequences of using alternative measures of time and achievement are examined in an observational study of 18 elementary school classes. The extent to which choice of the same model linking time and learning for all students was implicated in the inconsistent results is examined. (Author/GK)

In Summer Learning and the Effects of Schooling, Barabara Heyns found that schooling has a marked impact on achievement. This conclusion is based on analyses that show school-year achievement gains are greater than summer gains, summer being considered a temporary absence of schooling. Heyns' data came from a household survey and…

How various methodological decisions may influence studies of the effect of time-on-task on achievement are examined. Subjects were students in grades 2-5 in 18 classes taught by 12 teachers in a rural Maryland school district. All students were pre-tested in February 1978 in reading, language arts, math and social studies using the Comprehensive…

Objective referenced tests were scaled using the Rasch latent trait model to measure Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in grades one through eight. The tests, in the areas of reading, language and math, were scaled and linked through students, blocks of items, and test item banks. The study tests latent trait theory in a public school setting.…

Results are reported from the second year of a longitudinal evaluation of Child Parent Centers (CPC's) serving low-income urban children. Six-year-old participants and nine-year-old former participants and comparison groups were analyzed on measures including reading and mathematics achievement, internal-external control belief, and…

The authors argue that personnel who select standardized achievement tests have been led to believe that the major achievement test batteries differ very little in terms of the topics they test; but that the content covered by these major tests is different, and that such differences have consequences for instructional content. To test this…

To help teachers in comparing the content of their instruction with the content of standardized tests, a taxonomy of elementary school mathematics was developed. The taxonomy consisted of matrix with three dimensions; (1) mode of presentation (how questions are asked); (2) nature of material (type of numbers or mathematical terms); and (3)…

When a program evaluation is conducted on the basis of gains made in standardized achievement test scores between a pretest and a posttest, serious bias can result where a floor effect exists on one or both of the test levels. Based upon the expanded standard scores on the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills from three successive regular spring…

Norm referenced data were utilized for determining the mastery cutoff score on a criterion referenced test. Once a cutoff score on the norm referenced measure is selected, the cutoff score on the criterion referenced measure becomes that score which maximizes proportion of consistent classifications and proportion of improvement beyond change. (CP)

The procedures used in Phase I of the Individually Guided Education (IGE) evaluation to scale, adjust, and aggregate reading and mathematics achievement in grade 5 are described. An explanation is included of the administration procedures. The tests used (The Short Form Test of Academic Aptitude and the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills) and the…

The procedures used in Phase I of the Individually Guided Education (IGE) evaluation to scale, adjust, and aggregate reading and mathematics achievement in grade 2 are described. An explanation is included of the administration procedures. The tests used (the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills and the Short Form Test of Academic Aptitude) and the…