Demands for accountability have seen the implementation of large scale testing programs in Australia and internationally. There is, however, a growing body of evidence to show that externally imposed testing programs do not have a sustained impact on student achievement. It has been argued that teacher assessment is more effective in raising…

This article examines data from nine statewide administrations of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment (ICLA) over three-years. The ICLA measures pre-service teachers' knowledge of research-based content and pedagogy related to reading instruction and assessment. The purpose of this article was first to examine pre-service candidates'…

This paper presents a summary of the results for the Washington, D.C., public schools of the Metropolitan Readiness Test for grade 1; of the Reading and Mathematics Tests of the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills for grades 3 through 9; of the Reading and Mathematics test of the California Achievement Tests for grade 2; plus a summary of the…

Reports on a survey of 125 educators to determine their policies and procedures used in their schools relative to visual screening. (FL)

In the development of assessment for elementary students, little attention has been paid to the information exchange between student and tester. Analysis of the learning exchange requires developmental, diagnostic, and process information. Cybernetic assessment, a departure from standard testing techniques, involves the examiner in the information…

This study focuses on standardized test administration in five elementary schools. The authors discuss how teachers affect test validity by altering standard test procedures in both planned and incidental ways. Each of the 16 voluntary teachers who participated in this study was observed in her/his classroom administering certain subtests of the…

This book describes how educators at Harrison Elementary School in Twin Falls, Idaho, used the Standardized Timed Curriculum (STC) to raise students' standardized test scores. The monograph, which is divided into eight chapters, opens with an overview of testing in schools, the growth of the test-preparation business, and the need for school…

This is a descriptive study of the activities, statistics, and decisions made regarding the re-testing of six inner-city elementary schools, based on results of a norm-referenced achievement test given in the Cincinnati Public School district in April, 1985. Three statistical operations were performed on test data from the Design for School…

Examines trends in science testing and discusses its impact on science instruction. Presents data on each state's assessment program in science for grades K-8. Identifies the type of test, grade tested, the scope and frequency, and the contact person for each of the 50 states. (ML)

A standardized achievement testing program was begun in Alum Rock, California in the fall of 1972 as part of an evaluation of an Educational Voucher Demonstration. During each of the first three years of the demonstration both the form of test administration and the particular level of the standardized achievement test that a student is assigned…

Reviews the origin, practice, and effects of the "payment by results" law in late nineteenth-century England, in which elementary education was funded on the basis of students' examination results. Argues that such a system of educational accountability severely hampered development of English and Welsh elementary education. (PAA)

The "A" testing program of the Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study, Phase III-B, is summarized. A sample of 150 second grade and 134 fifth grade students completed the reading and mathematics achievement battery, as well as affective scales regarding reading, mathematics, and school. The administration procedures, test results, and psychometric…

This brochure contains a summary of an English language testing project being developed by the University of Southern California under the aegis of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Previous attempts (Stanford Achievement Test, California Achievement Test) have failed to test American Indian children's performance in reading, vocabulary, and…

The "B" testing program of the Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study, Phase III-B, is summarized. A sample of 146 second grade and 128 fifth grade students completed the reading and mathematics achievement battery, as well as affective scales pertaining to reading, mathematics, and school. The administration procedures, test results, and psychometric…