Basic rules of test construction are detailed to provide teachers with ways to improve the validity and reliability of teacher-made tests and worksheets. Designing the test, writing the items, and scoring the test are each discussed. The critical need for good instruments is promoted. (MP)

A defense of testing is given. The author examines opposition to and criticism of testing, and discusses teaching to the test, effects on curricula, and test bias. (MK)

A study was conducted to determine the difficulties students have in correctly completing computer-scored answer sheets. Results indicate that clerical errors on computer-scored sheets exist and may account for more of the errors on this type of test than has been thought. (MK)

Helping students prepare for the annual achievement test is the focus. The structure of the test and how test makers anticipate wrong answers is explored with students. (MNS)

Information is provided on results from the Second International Mathematics Study conducted in 1981-82 in 236 eighth-grade classrooms in the United States. Content taught, teacher characteristics, types of instruction, attitudes, knowledge, and comparisons with students in other countries are discussed. (MNS)

Examples are presented in which students are able to answer test items requiring manipulation of numbers for such topics as reducing fractions, but lack understanding of the operation. In addition to paper-and-pencil test, interviews are recommended for evaluating a student's understanding. (JP)

Student performance on division exercises in the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is reviewed. Pupil performance on selected exercises is reported and followed by some suggestions for improvement in the teaching of this skill. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Utilization).

Elementary school mathematics curricula are being developed that are designed to use calculators. As the calculator-integrated curricula are developed, tests must be developed that involve the use of calculators. Some examples of how achievement tests using calculators would be different are considered. (RH)

Report of research to test the hypothesis that reflective students would be higher achievers in mathematics than impulsive pupils. An achievement test was developed to measure understanding of mathematical concepts and applications, ability to solve verbal problems and recall basic facts. Data suggest that reflective students obtain better…

Various ways of evaluating pupil learning both before and after testing are discussed. Described are some techniques to ascertain how individual children are doing. Using pupils' errors is also considered. (MNS)

The use of different colored quizzes for different skill levels is suggested as an aid for motivation in a mastery learning setting. (MP)

The decision by the Connecticut State Board of Education to endorse use of calculators on the state's new eighth-grade mastery test was followed by the purchase of calculators for the students. The role of calculators in society and the curriculum is discussed, as well as testing goals. (MNS)

The purpose is to assist teachers in determining parallels between the content of mathematics instruction which they provide and the content tested by the four most widely used standardized tests of elementary mathematics. Striking differences in content covered by the tests are noted. (MP)