Uses of the variety of scores generated by standardized achievement tests are discussed. Desirable characteristics of scales, raw score scales, percent of correct items, percentile ranks, grade equivalents, normal curve equivalents, and scale scores are considered. The various meanings and purposes of each type of score are discussed. It is…

Measuring the amount learned that is, the gain students make between pretests and posttests, is described as an aspect of a study to determine effective evaluation in higher education and is considered with respect to determination of course grades and educational standards. (JH)

Improved communication and cooperation between test publishers and school systems is essential for solving major test problems. Test-curriculum matching, test equating, and inappropriate use of grade equivalent scores are major problem areas. The degree to which a standardized test yields information relevant to what the system is trying to teach…

The predictive value of the high-school-level battery of the tests of General Educational Development (GED) for two-year college academic performance was investigated. GED tests scores were examined to determine if they could substitute for a complete high school record as a source of predictor data. Student record data from a registrar's office…

Using data from a national random sample of 16,685 high school seniors collected in 1972, 10 different grade average reporting systems were analyzed by means of a nonlinear least squares procedure. A grade conversion table was created by relating reported grade averages in all of the systems to common percentile ranks in class. It was suggested…

A summary of the results of the Metropolitan Upper Primary Reading Test, Form B, which was administered to third grade pupils in Vancouver, is presented. Included are tables of local norms and comparisons of the results of earlier surveys. Because of the large number of perfect scores, it was concluded that the tests were too easy for many pupils.…

Results of the Gates-Macginitie Reading Test for sixth graders are summarized. Tables include information for each subtest concerning mean scores, percentile ranks, grade equivalent scores, and standard scores. The level of achievement in this survey was lower than that of previous surveys. (MS)

Estimates of reading ability for second through fourth grade Title I pupils were obtained through grade-level and out-of-level testing. Results show that the method of testing affects the students' scores, the identification of pupils needing remedial reading instruction, and evaluation of the reading program. (JKS)

Retention practices are poorly documented yet the most comprehensive research on retention (Holmes and Mathews) shows that children who repeat a grade make less progress than similar children who are promoted. Explores the contradiction existing between school reform policy and actual retention practice. (MD)

Reports on a study that examined differences in the comprehension scores achieved by seventh and eighth grade students on Form 1 and Form 3 of the Gates-MacGinitie, Level E. (HOD)

Responds to Fry's article in the January 1971 Reading Teacher, The Orangoutang Score." Suggests that chance level scores should not be assumed to have arisen only from random processes and that there are methods for identifying a thoughtful, nonrandom performance. References. (VJ)

Reappraises the validity and reliability of Vocabulary and Block Design (V-VD) as a short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPI). Presents a table for converting the sum of scaled scores into an estimate of Full…

Questions that parents, students, and teachers have frequently asked about the meaning of grade equivalent scores are answered, and implications for gifted students are considered. Facts concerning achievement test scores, content, and the norm group are indicated. (SEW)

A British study examined nursing modules enrolling 10-174 students; proportion of grades from coursework and from examinations; and student questionnaires. Nursing students performed less well in large classes and better when more coursework than exams were assessed. In large modules, they used surface more than deep approaches to study. (SK)