A national test can be designed for everyone--students, workers, etc.--that would measure their achievement in mathematics and other subjects and provide a score, normed at various levels from preschool to graduate school. The Internet and computer technology would enable both widespread administration of the test and access to scores that can be…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests. (JF)

Normative data can help those who must interpret test results decide whether a given performance on a criterion-referenced test is satisfactory. (Author/IRT)

The authors criticize an article by John Carrol in the February 1987 "Phi Delta Kappan" in which he discussed the Reading Proficiency Scale issued by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. They feel the Reading Proficiency Scale has limited usefulness. Includes 21 references. (Author/MD)

Our emphasis on accountability overlooks children's differences. Half of all individuals who take a norm-referenced test will be below average. Should such students be pushed, mauled, and remediated or squeezed into a common learning mold? Holding teachers accountable for humane treatment of "whole children" is a worthier pursuit. (MLH)

Argues that measurement issues are largely ignored by proponents of competency-based teacher education who focus on administrative and operational considerations. Discusses some of these measurement issues. (Author/JF)

Examines trends in standardized test scores since the 1960's. Reviews several factors that must be considered when assessing the significance of these trends, including changes in test-taking populations. Challenges common assertions concerning the extent and nature of test score declines and of educational quality prior to the decline. (PGD)

Concentrates on three questions: Who are the current critics of standardized testing? What are their persistent criticisms and concerns? Which of these criticisms appear to be valid, which have some validity, and which appear to be irrational? (Author/IRT)

Although a constructivist approach to learning calls into question the adequacy of norm-referenced, multiple-choice tests, these tests will persist into the 21st century. This article describes a classroom-based study that helped collaboratively oriented fifth graders develop problem-solving strategies to select answers to test questions. This…

For all its attractiveness, alternative assessment is fraught with complications and difficulties, as Rhode Island's experience shows. Although alternative assessment can be systematic, there are no ways to rate large numbers of performance-based tasks, portfolios, interviews, exhibits, or essays. Some standardization is necessary, and assessment…

Examines six areas of controversy surrounding testing--test validity, the role of affective objectives, criterion-referenced tests, test bias, IQ tests, and the effect of competition. (IRT)