This paper describes conventions in the scoring of classroom tests and of the achievement batteries used in school districts', testing programs in the U.S. The scales used for the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the American College Testing Program are described. Some new, criterion-referenced scales developed for state and national assessments are…

The author describes the evolution of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). He describes some of the contributions to educational research made by inquiries based on the SAT and gives particular attention to the way scaling and equating procedures for the SAT have evolved over the last half century. (Author/JAZ)

A specific application of test equating is described, namely that of credentialing examination programs in the health professions. Considered are: (1) the role of test equating in the credentialing process; and (2) the issues that must be considered when implementing test equating in a credentialing examination program. (Author/LMO)

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)

Drawing from the information presented at a conference sponsored by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology in Education Consortium, educators, researchers, and policymakers translate theory into practice to provide a hands-on resource that describes different models for scaling up success. This resource…

California Assessment Program's application of matrix sampling and item response curve theory to the scaling and reporting of state assessment data is described. It is designed to express educational outcomes in an efficient and interpretable form that is both immediately informative and suited to analysis over extended periods of time.…

Investigates the order in which dispositional and situational information is considered. Results indicate that perceivers are flexible in their inference processes: they are able to draw either dispositional or situational inferences initially. Greater understanding of the mechanisms and determinants of social judgments has important implications…

Examined practice of weighting grades to reflect class difficulty in literature in Maryland high schools, and particularly the Frederick County Maryland school system. Surveyed impact of reworked grades, teachers' attitudes, and parents' attitudes. Concluded weighting to be advantageous in college admission. (ABL)

Sixty subjects age 6 to 30 months were assessed with the Bayley Mental Scale of Infant Development (BMSID). Mean scores were substantially higher than standardized norms would predict, indicating that Bayley norms need to be revised, and that strict interpretation of the BMSID may result in misdiagnosis of some infants with developmental…

Analyzes the Second International Mathematics Study data on the use of instructional aids by 103 Ontario grade eight mathematics teachers using dual-scaling analysis. The effect of instructional aids did not remain after the influence of topic coverage was removed. (Author/YP)

In comparing the annual growth of low-achieving students and high-achieving students who remain at the same percentile rank, educators must choose between the properties of developmental standard scores and grade equivalents. The growth patterns for grade equivalent scores may be more reasonable than those for standard score scales. (SLD)

A procedure is described for estimating the reliability and conditional standard errors of measurement of scale scores incorporating the discrete transformation of raw scores to scale scores. The method is illustrated using a strong true score model, and practical applications are described. (SLD)

Scaling methodologies used in analysis of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) surveys since 1984 are reviewed. The plausible values methodology developed for NAEP scale-score analyses is described in the contexts of item response theory and average response method scaling. Current NAEP research in scaling is discussed. (SLD)

Explores the relationship between measurement theory and practice, considering five broad categories of: (1) models, assumptions, and terminology; (2) reliability; (3) validity; (4) scaling; and (5) setting performance standards. It must be recognized that measurement is not an end in itself. (SLD)

Increased demands for colleges and universities to engage in outcomes assessment for accountability purposes have accelerated the need to bridge the gap between higher education practice and the fields of measurement, assessment, and evaluation. The "Handbook on Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation in Higher Education" provides higher…