Presents 19 annotated items from the ERIC database (from 1987 to 1990) on the topic of reading assessment. (SR)

Summarizes 15 papers commissioned for the workshop on "Assessing Higher Order Thinking and Communication Skills in College Graduates," convened in response to National Education Goal V as presented in the America 2000 document. (RS)

Examines the psychometric properties of an instrument designed to assess study behaviors of college and university students. Finds that the "Study Behavior Inventory" is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing study behaviors. Suggests that study behaviors consist of short-term, routine goals and long-range, specific goals. (RS)

Proposes a framework for holistic evaluation of literacy development that is based on principles from whole-language theory. Argues that evaluation should be longitudinal, contextual, and evaluative. (RS)

Finds that all three groups (preservice elementary teachers, graduate elementary teachers, and graduate reading teachers) cited children's samples for the majority of their conclusions about the portfolios; and graduate reading teachers ranked the reliability of the samples much higher than either of the other two groups. Finds qualitative…

Evaluates the process and the use of self-assessment portfolios as an assessment instrument in one undergraduate literacy methods class. Discusses four major categories of results: strengths of the process, strengths of self-assessment portfolios as a form of evaluation, concerns/difficulties with the process, and concerns/difficulties with…

Finds that state-level textbook adoption committee members reported four major unresolved reading issues: (1) assessment of students' reading progress; (2) whole language versus basal approaches; (3) ability grouping; and (4) use of tradebooks in place of basals. Suggests that the members may lack sufficient specific knowledge of the issues to…

Finds four major unresolved issues, according to state legislators: (1) assessment of students' reading progress; (2) whole language versus basal approaches; (3) use of tradebooks in place of basals; and (4) whether at-risk readers should spend increased time reading or practicing isolated reading skills. Suggests that legislators lack sufficient…

Describes criteria used for selecting learning/study skills textbooks for college freshmen in a required developmental reading course. Contains a checklist used to analyze 47 major textbooks. (FL)

Explores the problems faced in the testing of reading. Discusses research that assists administrators and instructors in choosing various standardized tests, and describes existing alternatives to traditional forms of testing. (RS)

Reviews classroom-based studies on alternative literacy assessment. Suggests that alternative assessments in some cases tapped elements of the reading process that are more difficult to assess through traditional testing practices and created an impetus for some teachers to explore certain instructional issues. Finds little information on the…

Presents results of a nationwide survey to determine measures being used to diagnose reading difficulties and place students in learning disability or Chapter 1 classes. Finds that calls for change in assessment and placement practices have largely been ignored and implications suggest a need for reform. (MG)

Oral retellings are strongly recommended as a way to measure reading comprehension for second language learners (Bernhardt, 1985, 1990, 1991). However, the reliability of such ratings is a matter of concern for a variety of reasons (Aiken, 1996; Cooper, 1981; Saal, Downey, & Lahey, 1980). The purpose of this study was to establish reliable rating…