THE STUDY MEASURED THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING IN A SERIES OF CLOZE PROCEDURE EXERCISES UPON READING COMPREHENSION. STUDENTS WERE INSTRUCTED TO FILL IN BLANK SPACES IN WRITTEN TEXT. THIS ACT OF CLOSURE ITSELF WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A NONOVERT REINFORCEMENT. STUDENTS (1,411) IN 49 CLASSROOMS PARTICIPATED IN THE STUDY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL GROUP WAS STUDIED…

Developed by the National Education Association Task Force on Testing, this list of alternatives to standardized tests and testing programs includes the use of anecdotal records, oral presentations, student contracts, self and peer evaluations, and teacher-made tests.

An assessment of the effects of rest intervals of varying lengths following a five minute warm-up revealed no significant differeence among them for perceived exertion, heart rate, and state anxiety. (MB)

This paper presents the characteristics, properties and development of the National Reference Scale for reading. This new scale is the result of a reanalysis of the Anchor Test Study data using Rasch model procedures, in an effort to produce equated scores among all reading tests included in that study. (Author/JKS)

Three methods of estimating point-biserial correlation coefficient standard errors were compared: (1) assuming normality; (2) not assuming normality; and (3) bootstrapping. Although errors estimated assuming normality were biased, such estimates were less variable and easier to compute, suggesting that this might be the method of choice in some…

This module explains test review as it is now performed in most large-scale testing programs. It addresses the fundamental aspects of item review principally for fairness, sensitivity, and bias, and to a lesser degree for content and construct validity. The module is designed for a survey course and thus has a broad, rather than deep, focus. The…

This guide explains the results and other information contained in the "Test Item Analysis Report," the "Test Item Report Summary," the "School Report," and the "District Report" for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests of spring 2002.The report contains these sections: (1)…

This report shares with educators and the public all of the test items on which spring 2002 student results from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) are based. The release of these items provides information on the kinds of knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate on the MCAS tests. Local educators are…

Author describes current controversy in England over whether or not personnel trainers should be qualified by standard examinations. He also notes growing consensus" that personnel and training staffs there are behind the times, below standards in other professions and not applying behavioral sciences to industry as fully as possible.…

Describes the procedures by which Kentucky's state assessment program synthesized results from three standard setting procedures (Contrasting Groups, Bookmark, and Jaeger-Mills) for the 2000 state assessment. Shows the value of using multiple standard-setting approaches to gather information from each. (SLD)

Presents a brief historical overview of standardized testing in science including its purpose, consequences, characteristics, and evaluation. Provides a critique that is unique in that this study used national science standards to evaluate a state-mandated standardized science test. (Author/MM)

Describes the concept of "adequate yearly progress" as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act and discusses some of the psychometric issues it raises. Examines scaling as a means to equate tests when assessing educational gains and recommends vertically moderated standards over vertical equating of state assessments. (SLD)

How state educational authorities in Kentucky use statewide test data to rank the state's 178 school districts was studied, using data from the "Kentucky Essential Skills Test: Statewide Testing Results" (1987). The methods used, means of refining those methods, the fairness/accuracy/validity of resulting interpretations, and problems…

Contends that educational reform strategies that feature measurement-driven instruction as their centerpiece are often maligned as "quick fixes." Although asserting that measurement-driven instruction has potential benefits, notes that assessment experts should share their knowledge with policymakers to avoid ineffective strategies. (Author/NB)