Beginning with a reference to living in a time of both uncertainty and opportunity, this article presents a discussion of key areas where shared understanding is needed if we are to successfully realize the design and use of high quality, valid assessments of science. The key areas discussed are: (1) assessment purpose and use, (2) the nature of…

This paper provides a history of ETS's role in developing assessment instruments and psychometric procedures for measuring change in large-scale national assessments funded by the Longitudinal Studies branch of the National Center for Education Statistics. It documents the innovations developed during more than 30 years of working with…

This document describes the breadth of the research that the ETS (Educational Testing Service) Research & Development division is conducting in 2010. This portfolio will be updated in early 2011 to reflect changes to existing projects and new projects that were added after this document was completed. The research described in this portfolio falls…

Educational assessment and, more broadly, educational research in the United States have entered into an era characterized by a dramatic increase in the prevalence and importance of test score use in accountability systems. This volume covers a selection of contemporary issues about testing science and practice that impact the nation's public…

This document describes the breadth of the research being conducted in 2008 by the Research and Development Division at Educational Testing Service (ETS). The research described falls into three large categories: (1) Research supported by the ETS research allocation; (2) Research funded by testing programs at ETS; and (3) Research funded by…

This is one of a series of reports on the National Longitudinal Study of Mathematical Abilities (NLSMA). This report describes the processes used for deciding what should be measured, when, and how. Work of the SMSG Panel on Tests for collecting tests items, conceptualizing scales, pilot testing, and analyzing pilot test data is reviewed. The…

Discusses a project demonstrating that standardized tests can be developed in vocational agriculture under certain conditions to serve a wide geographical area and a diversified agriculture. (HD)

Attainment tests in English and mathematics were administered to a total sample of 2,011/15-year old students. The English test consisted of a composition and a test battery of objective items. Marking of the composition was made by the test designer on a rapid first-impression reading. The objective test battery consisted of a comprehension test,…

This bulletin is the first in a series of publications on the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations. Suggestions which teachers and examining boards can adopt, modify, or reject are included as well as an explanation of the Councils' adopted policies. Section I - The C. S. E. Examination System discusses the general principles of…

The experiment described in this bulletin is the result of a previous study of experimental examinations in mathematics (Bulletin No. 2). A basic multifacet test was constructed with 21 mathematical situations in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry and presented in three separate forms: Type 1 Traditional; 2 multi-choice (with four choices); and 3…

An experimental examination was conducted using a multiple-choice test for the purpose of constructing an examination in mathematics. Some 1,125 secondary school students from various school districts were chosen as candidates. The test consisted of twenty mathematical situations requiring five true or false answers for each test item. No time…

In order to assess achievement in technical drawing at the secondary school level, an experimental examination was conducted using 333 boys and 2 girls from 13 schools. The objectives of the course in order of importance were: (1) Understanding and Comprehension; (2) Use; and (3) Communication. Three papers were formed: Paper I, an objective…

The efficiency of three written papers dealing with essay writing, comprehension, and literature papers as a test of English ability was assessed in a trial examination administered to 182 boys and 216 girls, all of whom were 16 years of age. Criterion was established on the basis of teachers' assessments of six essays written by the students…

In the initial article by Edward Roeber, performance assessment is defined as an exercise in which the student demonstrates specific skills and competencies rather than selecting one of several predetermined answers to an exercise. Such as assessment contains four components: (1) a reason for the assessment; (2) a particular peformance to be…

Commemorating the work of Anne Cleary, the author considers the need for research on assessment in the practice context, provides an example of research in context, and proposes general areas of development for assessment research in the context of practice. Research has shown that effects of testing programs on practice are often not those that…