The current popularity of teacher testing allows for content, criterion, and construct validity to be assessed, as pertaining to achievement levels on basic knowledge examinations. Teacher competency is a complex issue that is inaccurately confused with or identified as measures derived from academic testing. The problems in addressing the…

The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the performance of Louisiana's potential teachers on the Common Examinations of the National Teacher Examinations (NTE). Scores from 1352 examinees who took the Common Examinations of the NTE in February, 1979, were analyzed. The performance of Louisiana's potential teachers compares favorably…

Scores on the National Teacher Examinations subtest in professional education for secondary education majors were correlated with grades in courses in educational psychology, secondary methods, and test and measurement. Findings revealed that sex was a factor in the strength of the relationships; combining subgroups resulted in stronger…

Background and purposes of the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) and the hazards of combining data on these tests in research studies are discussed; the predictive validity of the NTE with in-service teachers is analyzed. Suggestions are made for closer correlation between rating scales and what the standardized tests themselves attempt to…

Ways of attempting to ensure competence in teaching reading have changed dramatically over the past 60 years. By comparing tests designed to be administered to 1923 and 1983 teacher candidates, this article illustrates the ways in which they are qualitatively different and considers the implications of those differences. (MT)

A study examined the relationship of independent variables to scores on the National Teacher Examinations Test of Professional Knowledge (TPK) to determine the best combination of predictor variables to account for variance on the TPK. Data were elicited from 202 undergraduate students at Furman University who had already taken the TPK and were…

Questions have been raised about what criteria to use in selecting, training, and hiring teachers, and when those measures should be taken--at the time of entrance to teacher preparation programs or at the end of training and at the time of certification. Another question concerns the demonstrated teaching competency of the teachers selected and…

To investigate the concurrent validity of the National Teacher Examinations, test scores of over 31,000 candidates were correlated with self-reported Grade Point Averages (GPA's). The overall correlation between the Weighted Common Examination Total (WCET) and GPA was .37. Validity indices for the Area Examinations ranged from .08 to .50 with a…

This article discusses the range of validation studies conducted in Kansas in examining the validity of the National Teachers' Examination as a certification test for that state. It is argued that the validation of certification tests calls for a wider range of studies than typically are undertaken. (JAZ)

Performance tests should be required for certification of all public and private school teachers. Tests that are validated against actual job performance--which evaluate actual knowledge, skills, and professional ethics that produce educational and social benefits--should be used. (CJB)

Estimates of the criterion-related validity for the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) in mathematics and science were determined empirically. Results suggest that the science tests are not as useful as the mathematics tests as indicators of subject knowledge. (GK)

College faculty (n=171) from 16 Arkansas colleges were asked to make validity and cut score judgments about the test items for the 1982 Arkansas National Teacher Examination (NTE) study of 23 area examinations. Each of the 23 data collection panels began with a training session which included specific directions for the estimates of the judges.…

Based on 18 months of extensive research and study, the New Mexico State Department of Education developed the Staff Accountability Plan to address the issue of teacher accountability and certification. One of the provisions of the plan (a written assessment of general and professional knowledge for initial certification) will be fulfilled by…

The intent of this study was to determine if any relationship existed between teacher effectiveness, based on selected criteria generally accepted by educators to denote effectiveness, and National Teacher Examination, Teaching Area Examinations (TAE) and Weighter Common Examination Total (WCET) scores. Teacher effectiveness was determined by the…