In their constant groping toward achievement standards, the high schools of this country have developed what is known as "cooperative testing." This development is not recent. Cooperative testing dates back further than the standardized testing movement itself. For instance, it has been customary for about 50 years in New York and in…

This study attempts to determine the relative power of six factors that might influence teacher decisions about the content of fourth-grade mathematics: district test, mandated textbooks, district instructional objectives, other teachers' opinions, the principal's opinions, and parents' opinions. (Author/GK)

Using examples from California, the author analyzes the increasing trend for states to assume a guiding or dominant role over local school districts in important aspects of American education. He considers the main reasons for this trend to be public concern over academic standards and the increasing cost of education. (Editor/SJL)

This article discusses the development of World Class Tests in England that enable gifted students to celebrate their achievement within an international context and to enter the World Class Arena. The Arena is being constructed as an international forum where educators and teachers can communicate on research and best practice. (CR)

Estimates of the costs of including hands-on measures of science skills in a large-scale assessment program were derived from a field trial involving more than 2,000 fifth and sixth graders. Results suggest that complexity makes hands-on assessments more than three times as expensive as open-ended writing assessments. (SLD)

Findings from a state survey about practices in testing students of limited English proficiency (LEP) confirm a general lack of policies and guidelines relating to the standardized achievement testing of LEP students. Concern for LEP students in testing may reflect a general interest in bilingual education. (SLD)

A 50-state survey was conducted to determine state indicators of quality of science and mathematics instruction in elementary schools. Data are summarized for (1) policies affecting amount of instruction; (2) state requirements for science and mathematics teacher certification; and (3) state testing programs in science and mathematics. (SLD)

Discusses plans for a national testing program and its possible effects on social studies. Expresses concern that the proposed plans avoid the issues of how and by whom curricular content is to be developed and how diversity will be accommodated. Includes discussion of the purposes, fairness, and problems inherent in the American Achievement…

The Immigration and Naturalization Service oversees citizenship testing and issues visas to foreign students. Recommendations for improvement of the system include simplification of the citizenship oath, standardized citizenship tests in history and government, improved testing oversight to reduce cheating, and closer monitoring of foreign…

The seven chapters of this theme issue explore current developments in research into educational accountability. State educational performance reporting policies, resource allocation for accountability, and educational reforms in Canada, Hong Kong, and Malaysia are discussed. The final chapters consider accountability policy research. (SLD)

Public school students, parents, and teachers are protesting "high stakes" standardized tests that bar many deserving students from promotion or graduation. A typical high stakes test is a state-mandated 10th-grade test that students must pass to graduate high school. They are called high stakes because a student's entire high school career rides…

This paper aims to examine current nationwide youth fitness test programs, address problems embedded in the programs, and possible solutions. The current Fitnessgram, President's Challenge, and YMCA youth fitness test programs were selected to represent nationwide youth fitness test programs. Sponsors of the nationwide youth fitness test programs…

This book tells how to build a system leading to more student success beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school and postsecondary education. It identifies the key elements, describes effective practices, and shows how they come together to help students and educators succeed. "More Student Success" is an updated and…

In this article, the authors review the way in which the Victorian government has responded to the inclusion of students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools, and consider what further efforts could be made to improve inclusive educational practices. Key measures introduced by the state education authority in relation to the…

The purpose of "Effective Student Assessment and Evaluation in the Classroom: Knowledge + Skills + Attributes" is to more clearly articulate the student assessment knowledge, skills and attributes expected under the Teaching Quality Standard Ministerial Order of applicants for Alberta interim professional teacher certification. The…