Discusses the tension between testing and literacy education, the deleterious influences of testing on the curriculum, and the lack of a firm relationship between improved test scores and improved educational experiences for students. Presents two alternative systems for evaluation of writing skills at the local and state level. Demonstrates the…

Summarizes interviews with 60 Indiana superintendents and principals concerning the effects of statewide student achievement testing on the operation of schools or school systems. It describes side effects from the testing, noting they are so numerous and severe they may be worse than the problems they are supposed to cure. (SM)

This paper responds to an article that criticizes S. A. Cohen's position on the application of instructional alignment to teaching test wiseness. The value and ethics of using certain types of norm-referenced tests are criticized, based on data for the Missouri Mastery Achievement Test. (TJH)

Instead of relying on standardized test scores and interdistrict comparisons, school systems must develop a more powerful, timely, and local approach to accountability that is truly client-centered and focused on results. Accountability requires giving successful teachers the freedom and opportunity to take effective ideas beyond their own…

Examines the appropriateness of a cut-off score derived from the Angoff procedure for a reading test in the United Kingdom. Shows that the recommended cut-off score is too low. Suggests ways that standard setting might draw on a range of information to produce appropriate and rationally defensible cut-off scores. (DSK)

Discusses the provision of accommodations in admissions testing and in educational programs, the test score flagging practices that impact admissions testing, validity concerns, and issues surrounding fairness and compliance with federal disability laws for such practices. Some conclusions are drawn about the legality of the use of flagged test…

Provides information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in music. Discusses the "red flags," such as test sampling, from the "Arts Report Card" that signal doubt as to the usefulness of its data. Considers the lessons learned from the "Arts Report Card." (CMK)

Out-of-level testing in state and district assessments is becoming more popular under the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This practice (and use of different norm-referenced tests) confounds interdistrict comparisons and contributes to inequitable assessment practices. Proper scaling can remedy this situation. (MLH)

In this essay, Betty J. Sternberg argues that the increased money and time spent on meeting the summative testing requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) adds little to the existing "gold standard" testing conducted by the State of Connecticut. Sternberg highlights the challenges faced by one state in meeting the requirements…

In some situations where reliability must be estimated it is impossible to divide the measuring instrument into more than two separately scoreable parts. In such a case, neither Cronbach's coefficient alpha nor Kristof's three-part approach are satisfactory. A technique is developed for estimating reliability in such situations. (Author/BJG)

Six fundamental public misconceptions about tests are discussed: (1) the view of tests as infallible, objective predictors of behavior versus the view of tests as completely without value; (2) the lack of understanding concerning pyschometric characteristics of tests; (3) the confusion between labels and constructs; (4) the belief that all the…

TEST WISENESS ABILITIES ON PERSONALITY SCALES WERE MEASURED BY SPECIALLY DEVELOPED INSTRUMENTS. THE FOUR TEST-WISENESS VARIABLES WERE--(1) ESTIMATING DESIRABILITY (ACCURACY IN ESTIMATING THE DESIRABILITY OF PERSONALITY ITEMS), (2) ESTIMATING COMMUNALITY (ACCURACY IN ESTIMATING THE COMMUNALITY OF ITEMS), AND (3) ABILITY TO IDENTIFY ITEMS…

Trait adjectives have both evaluative and denotative meanings. Evaluation of a trait varies with the context of other traits attributed to the person. The meaning-change interpretation suggests that denotative change in trait meaning underlies evaluative change. The evaluative-halo interpretation attributes context effects of single trait ratings…

Five guidelines to be used when testing black students are: (1) know the goals of testing, (2) select appropriate tests, (3) gain competency in test administration and interpretation, (4) be aware of contextual and situational factors in learning, and (5) evaluate non-test variables. (Author/AM)