The Center for the Study of Evaluation (CSE) compiled a catalog of existing criterion referenced tests (CRT) and other objectives-based tests for use in kindergarten through grade 12. CSE consulted publishers' catalogs, bibliographies, and test lists, and conducted computer searches of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and…

Guidelines for evaluating criterion-referenced tests and test manuals are proposed and applied to a sample of popular commercially published tests. The well-known Test Standards published by a joint committee of professional societies is helpful, though not completely applicable, and was used together with other sources in the preparation of an…

A set of guidelines for evaluating criterion-referenced tests is presented. Additionally, 11 sets of extant criterion-referenced tests are evaluated using these guidelines. (JKS)

The bulk of this document consists of reviews of over 60 criterion-referenced tests, most of which are used to test elementary or secondary-level achievement in the basic skills. For each test review, the following information is given: description of test, price, field test data, administration, scoring, and other comments. The tests are rated…

Fourteen criteria used to evaluate criterion referenced tests were assigned two sets of weights reflecting the characteristics of tests designed as a classroom resource or for program evaluation. Twenty eight currently available criterion referenced tests were rated against the criteria using each set of weights. A comparison of the scores…

This report represents the results of an investigation of the appropriateness of criterion-referenced tests (CRTS) for large-scale evaluations. First, the development and validation of CRTS, including the formulation and generation of CRT objectives, items, and score-interpretation schemes and dimensions of item and test quality, were examined to…

As part of the development of a collection of criterion-referenced test reviews, a survey was conducted to determine the information needs of educators who select tests. Three aspects of test selection were emphasized: (1) factors affecting choices among available tests; (2) consumers' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about criterion referenced…

The feasibility of using criterion referenced tests (CRTs) in a large-scale evaluation conducted in an effectiveness evaluation context was investigated. The study began by examining the theory that structures the development and validation of CRTs to discover whether, on theoretical grounds alone, CRTs are suitable or not suitable for large-scale…

Discussions at the National Consortium on Testing conference are summarized. Updates on recent and upcoming events are given by Jeff Schiller (National Institute of Education), Doug Whitney (American Council on Education), John Maxwell (National Council of Teachers of English), Dorianne Almann (National Science Teachers Association), Eric Gardner…

This bibliography lists selected articles, research reports, monographs, books, and reference works related to criterion-referenced measurement. It is limited primarily to material which deals directly with criterion-referenced tests and testing procedures, and includes reports on computer-assisted test construction and the adaptation of…

This paper discusses the use of assessment instruments at the preschool level and systematically reviews several measurement instruments used with young children. The first section briefly discusses the selection of educational objectives, consideration of alternative methods of collecting information about children, the selection of a specific…

This guide is intended to provide vocational administrators with general information about the current state of competency-based test development and specific information about selected products and services that are available or under development. The general information section deals with the types of test products and services that are…

This paper was developed to help Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) administrators make informed decisions when selecting employability assessment tools. The paper focuses on one aspect of participant assessment: assessing the level of basic education skills of economically disadvantaged youth. The paper provides the following: (1) comparative…

A discussion of evaluating informal logic competence centers on the identification of currently available tests and on a description of test theory, to aid in test selection. The following concepts in test theory are discussed: norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests, true scores, reliability, validity, test selection and evaluation, test…

Assessment instruments for use with adult learners are summarized; findings of a test use survey of 163 California districts serving adult students are given; and management techniques for administering large and small group tests are suggested. Forms for the evaluation of test instruments and for an assessment survey are appended. Tests reviewed…