This report presents results from a new quantitative synthesis of research on the effectiveness and validity of test accommodations for English language learners (ELLs) taking large-scale assessments. In 2006, the Center on Instruction published a review of the literature on test accommodations for ELLs titled "Practical Guidelines for the…

Describes the problems some basic writing students have had generating ideas for writing in response to timed essay tests. Proposes a technique based on the classical notion of the "topoi," which enables students to generate ideas and equips them for participation in the social and political dialogs they encounter in higher education.…

Professional speakers often use simple mental recipes to organize impromptu talks. The author taught these recipes to his high school composition students and used a timed trial format to give them practice in rapidly outlining their thoughts on a given topic. Thirteen of these recipes are provided. (SJL)

Discusses the hazards of using timed mathematics tests in hopes of helping children learn basic math facts. Provides samples of children's writing which discuss their feeling about timed tests. Presents one teacher's idea of combining her students' thinking about math with writing haiku poetry. (MG)

Based on the classic test-wiseness principles of J. Millman, C. H. Bishop, and R. Ebel, the STAR strategy streamlines the taking of timed tests. Before explaining the strategy to students, the instructor can convince students of the advantages of the strategy by administering a short test to determine students' test-wiseness. The STAR strategy…

Presents a flexible plan for scoring straight-copy timed typewriting in any typing class, secondary or postsecondary, which is particularly useful for classes where the students have varied backgrounds in typing. (MF)

This article offers guidelines for using timed drills to achieve computational fluency in elementary students. It considers the acquisition and practice stages of learning, setting fluency aims and objectives, measuring fluency, research supporting time trials, how to do time trials, and 11 specific guidelines for conducting time trials. (DB)

Focusing on the importance of the search for meaning in reading, the essays in this book address critical reading and the confusion about the place of skill development in the search for meaning. The following works are included: "Introduction to the 50th Yearbook" (M. P. Douglass); "The Quest for Meaning" (M. Poplin);…