Tips on improving student test scores fall into two categories: format training and environmental conditions. Environmental conditions include notifying parents of the test, emphasizing the importance of the test, and giving the test in familiar surroundings. Format training includes explaining multiple-choice options and answer sheets. (MLF)

This document is the Grade 12 diploma examination in mathematics at Level 33 from the Office of the Ministry of Education in Alberta, Canada. The two-and-a-half hour test is a closed-book examination consisting of 37 multiple choice and 12 numerical response questions of equal value worth 70% of the examination, and four written response questions…

This document is the Grade 12 diploma examination in mathematics at Level 30 from the Office of the Ministry of Education in Alberta. The two-and-a-half hour test is a closed-book examination consisting of 40 multiple choice and 9 numerical response questions of equal value worth 70% of the examination, and three written response questions worth…

This handbook contains information about the statewide testing programs in Georgia. These programs provide a comprehensive perspective on students' educational achievement from kindergarten through high school. This guide contains information on these statewide assessments: (1) the Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program-Revised; (2) the…

This book takes readers through the often confusing landscape of standardized testing and explains what tests are and what they are not. The book discusses how to interpret test scores, different types of standardized tests, and specific standardized tests. This revised edition also contains discussions of the Third International Mathematics and…

This paper examines the different strategies used to argue for and against testing of English Language Learners (ELL) in California. The study arose from protests directed at a California law requiring that a norm-referenced achievement test be used to assess school children on their mastery of basic skills. The paper describes the different uses…

Examines the development and administration of the New Jersey General Intellectual Skills (GIS) Assessment, administered for the first time in 1990 at all public colleges and universities in the state. Describes the GIS's scope and function, scoring procedures, score reporting, faculty expectations, and initial results. (DMM)

Suggests that ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, fails four tests for sound diagnostic assessment set out in a standard reference (K.W. Howell et al. "Curriculum Based Evaluation")--tests for logicality, reliability, validity, and accuracy and practicality. (RS)

Claims that arguments about the invalidity, purposelessness, and misleading nature of ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, remain intact despite attempts to counter the arguments. Presents a detailed critique of arguments presented in an article in the previous of this journal supporting ELLA.…

The records of graduates of Iowa high schools who entered the University of Iowa as freshmen in the fall of 1977 were secured in cooperation with the Iowa Testing Program. Test scores for grades 4, 6, and 8 on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and for grade 11 on the Iowa Tests of Educational Development were obtained for all students whose scores…

Seven schools that have re-evaluated their needs for standardized college admissions examinations were studied to explore their admissions and innovative testing policies. The schools include: (1) Bates College in Lewiston, Maine; (2) Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine; (3) Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in Cambridge,…

Differential functioning of males and females on achievement test items was studied in a sample of 110,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12. First, item parameters and ability estimates for these parameters were obtained from LOGIST computer program runs for the entire group. Predicted performance for each item for each group was…

This test administration plan sets forth the terms and conditions which govern the administration of the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), an instrument designed to measure the achievement of the communication and computation skills expected of all students by the time they complete their sophomore year. CLAST scores are required of all…

This paper outlines a methodology that school districts can use to enhance the presentation of district-wide testing program results to administrators, school boards, teachers, and the public. Based on John Tukey's two way analysis methodology, it involves fitting this model: test score equals overall plus year plus grade plus cohort plus…

This study focuses on standardized test administration in five elementary schools. The authors discuss how teachers affect test validity by altering standard test procedures in both planned and incidental ways. Each of the 16 voluntary teachers who participated in this study was observed in her/his classroom administering certain subtests of the…