Improving the verbal scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of a group of 20 high school juniors was addressed by the implementation of an SAT coaching program. A computer program, "SAT Success," and a video, "SAT Prep Video," along with practice tests from the Educational Testing Service were employed. Students were…

Seventeen medical school students who participated in a commercial test preparation course were matched with 17 other students judged to be of equal ability. These two groups were compared on the basis of their scores on Part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The two groups were matched closely on both the grade point average…

This study assessed the effects of an intensive 64-hour Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) coaching program on urban, gifted students' test scores. Ninety-seven students participated in the summer coaching program; 47 formed the comparison group. Results are discussed and analyzed. (JL)

Reports the results of a 1979 Educational Testing Service (ETS) Study, "The Effects of Special Preparation on S.A.T. Verbal Scores," and considers its implications for educational planning, management by objectives, and instructional methods to improve verbal ability. (SJL)

Control groups' scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test-Verbal were compared to scores of secondary school students who were exposed to their school's special test preparation programs. Special preparation resulted in an overall difference of eight points on the total score, corresponding to one additional correctly answered item. (Author/GDC)

An intervention program employing test-skills instruction and cooperative learning methods was presented to second year minority medical students at a major state supported medical school. The purpose was to enhance minority students' passing rate for Part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examination. After completion of the…

In the interests of improving and ensuring the quality of teachers in the schools, testing is increasingly becoming an integral part of the certification process. Almost all states currently require that prospective teachers pass a test either as a requirement for entering a teacher education preparation program or after completing such a program…

In an attempt to reinforce the directive role of evidence in current arguments over test coaching, this chapter summarizes research findings from studies of coaching for the Scholastic Aptitude Test in the context of a conceptual analysis of the meaning and likely import of the coachability of such ability tests. (Author/BW)

The effects of a test coaching program, "Scoring High on the California Achievement Test," were investigated with a sample of 876 students in grades 1, 2, 4, and 5. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to determine the effects of the program, grade level, sex, and race. Significant differences in favor of the Scoring High program…

Results from a meta-analysis of findings on the effectiveness of coaching for achievement tests from 30 controlled studies of coaching programs are presented. Coaching typically raised achievement test scores by .25 standard deviations. Effects varied with the level of training intervention. (Author/PN)

Presents a theoretical model that identifies the context in which students experience difficulties with complex multiple choice exams (MCE). Provides a structured approach that facilitates the development of critical thinking and metacognitive skills. Discusses a workshop in which participants reported increased knowledge concerning the process…

Compared the effects of an examination preparation unit offered in small group counseling or classroom guidance formats on the performance of low-achieving and underachieving middle school students (n=77). Results indicated the intervention was generally ineffective. (ABL)

Accountability and performance incentive plans in education are compromised by goal distortion, gaming, and corruption. Education policy makers who design such plans have paid insufficient attention to similar experiences in other fields. This paper describes institutions in health care, job training and welfare administration, and in the private…

Over a l0-week period, an elementary school teacher designed and implemented a practicum study intended to help a target group of 24 kindergartners develop crucial mathematical problem-solving skills and to prepare them for taking the Stanford Achievement Test. The objective was addressed through implementation of direct instruction, modeling,…

Reviews several currently available test preparation options and discusses some recent studies on the effects of these methods of preparing for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. While special test preparation may not dramatically affect scores, some methods can improve students' confidence and familiarity with procedures. (JAC)