Discusses advantages and disadvantages of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests. (JF)

A discussion of accountability of teacher performance using domain-referenced tests. (HB)

The need for improved accountability has led to more competency-based testing. This provides test makers with the opportunity to have greater impact on the curriculum. Several strategies are suggested for measurement-based instructional improvement. (Author/PN)

Discusses which kinds of data educators should respect and which they should reject. Asserts that most state accountability tests fail to produce the kinds of data that will improve teaching and learning. Teachers can get the data they need from their own instructionally useful classroom assessments. (WFA)

This study investigates the improvement in research and development skills which resulted from the 1968 AERA Presession. Instructional materials were administered to 47 participants who were pretested and posttested to assess their improvement. The results of the presession are considered favorable. (HW)

Counters Gerald Bracey's rejection of measurement-driven instruction (MDI), especially the latter's "cursed trinity": fragmentation, deflection, and trivialization. Points to eminently successful modes of MDI and urges educators to emulate them. (MLH)

Argues that the most widely used measures of a teacher's instructional skill -- ratings, classroom observations, pupil performance on standardized tests -- have proved inadequate and suggests that a teaching performance test would be an effective teacher assessment technique. (JF)

Today's standardized tests are not the best way to evaluate schools or students. These tests do not evaluate what students have learned in school. There is a high likelihood that the specific content sampled by a standardized test may be seriously inconsistent with local curricula aspirations. Sidebars report on recommendations from the Commission…

Argues that educational focus is stronger and clearer with educational competencies rather than with educational objectives. (SL)

Ten factors relevant to the standard-setting decision on important tests (i.e., high school diploma tests) are proposed as a basis for a standard-setting preparation program. It is suggested that, typically, those who set standards have had little or no experience and would benefit from formal preparation. (SLD)