School effectiveness cannot be assessed by comparing group performances on standardized tests. Instead, each child's progress, in accordance with his or her capabilities, should be measured. Certain assessment models can help chart individuals' progress in reading and writing. Focusing on individual results enchances collective program assessment.…

Discusses the future of computerized adaptive testing (CAT), i.e., experimental tests developed by the Educational Testing Service in response to criticism of the Standardized Aptitude Tests (SATs). CAT examinations are individually tailored to each test taker, and researchers believe they are more predictive than conventional SATs. (JJD)

This paper examines long-range problems caused by test-controlled schooling. It looks at the demands of both curricular and accountability uses of tests from the point of view of the urban school district's testing office. On the basis of interviews with 12 New Orleans teachers and the experiences of the authors in working in two large city…