The ubiquitous use of standardized test results to make varied judgments about educators, students, and schools within the public school system raises concerns of validity. If the test results have not been validated for making multiple determinations, then the decisions made about educators, students, schools, and school districts based on the…

Comparable scores represent equal rank in a given population-they imply nothing concerning what is being measured. Equivalent scores represent similarity of what is being measured -- the more complete the equivalence, the greater the likeness of measurement. The test user would do well to keep these distinctions in mind; to avoid being confused…

A method for obtaining criterion-references information from standardized tests is proposed. (TA)

Normal Curve Equivalents (NCEs), a new score system for standardized tests, are used by school districts in reporting results to federal funding agencies. The author uses a quiz format to answer questions on the use of NCE scores. (EGS)

A pamphlet on how to make use of the results of the Illinois Statewide High School Testing Program in an individual school is presented. The 1973-74 testing program includes tests of academic aptitude, reading comprehension and knowledge, communication skills, and mathematical skills. The program reports contain the raw scores of the students in…

Explains achievement test scores, focusing on types, uses, meanings, and relative importance. Describes currently used scales, normal distribution curves, percentile ranks, grade equivalents, and other rating systems. Advises inclusion of more than one kind of standardized test score, since each provides different information. Includes three…

Out-of-level'' testing is the assigning of pupils to levels of a standardized test on the basis of previous test scores rather than their present grade assignment. Test results of 1500 children were reviewed to see if their performance supported the rationale behind the practice. (Author/CB)

IF IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT THE SOLE JUSTIFICATION IN GIVING A TEST IS TO OBTAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHILD, FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CHILD'S PERFORMANCE ON THE TEST MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE INTERPRETATION OF TEST RESULTS. A SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT, HIS BACKGROUND, HIS PERCEPTION OF THE TEST SITUATION, AND THE…

The purpose of this handbook is to provide information and guidelines for using data from standardized tests. The handbook consists of six sections: (1) explains the rationale for district-wide testing; (2) discusses a district testing program; (3) presents guidelines for testing which describes procedures for administering standardized tests; (4)…

The history of standardized testing is examined, and various problems with test content, testing processes, and statistical applications of test results are discussed. (MJB)

The article reviews the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery in terms of its standardizaton and psychometric qualities, and its strengths and weaknesses regarding administration, scoring, and interpretation. (CL)

Despite the controversy over standardized testing, a 1970 survey indicates that teachers still need and want to use tests as diagnostic tools. Because of problems and abuses, however, changes need to be made so that more accurate and useful information can be derived for educational purposes. (Author/GC)