The developer of the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills scaling responds to Hoover's attacks on Thurstone and item response theory scales (TM 510 173). While agreeing that grade equivalent (GE) scores are presently the most appropriate developmental score for reporting elementary grade achievement tests, limitations and inconsistencies in the GE…

Grade equivalent (GE) scores for elementary school achievement tests are defended in response to efforts to ban their use. Equal interval developmental scoring methods for the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress and the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills are criticized. (BS)

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.…

The author addresses issues raised by Burket (TM 510 174) about the Iowa Test of Basic Skills scaling procedures. Further reasons for his criticism of Thurstone scale scores and item response theory scale scores for elementary school achievement tests are given. (BS)

The purposes of this study are to document the success of the Achievement Goals Program (AGP) in raising student achievement in San Diego Unified School District's minority-isolated schools and to provide recommendations for curriculum development and teacher training based on that success. Reports on the results of the Comprehensive Tests of…

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…

Results from the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program for 5,392 elementary school students and from the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (multiple choice) for a national sample are used to explore local item independence (LID) of test items. Some strategies are suggested for measuring LID in performance assessments. (SLD)