The article describes the capabilities and features of basic microcomputer systems and describes special education applications: computer assisted instruction, prosthesis, testing, communication, and enhancing personal relations. Problems such as the availability of authoring languages, high quality educational software, and computer safety are…

Analyzes the relationship between learning objectives and assessment items for Technical Education Council physics courses. Suggests improvements. (SK)

Examines whether retesting: (1) affects achievement of students (N=95) grouped according to previous achievement in science; and (2) influences students to delay studying and perform at a low level on initial tests. Also examines whether procrastination of retested students is affected by their achievement level. (DS)

Three questions dealing with hypothesis testing are presented. Activities that can be best worked with calculators as tools are detailed and suggestions for extensions of these problems are given. (MP)

One of the developers of Cabrillo Unified School District's Basic Proficiency Monitoring System outlines basic principles for designing and implementing such a system: believe in the process, concentrate on the fundamentals, keep it simple and inexpensive, and always follow up. (SJL)

The author, a college professor, cites specific instances in which his students misread examination questions. He considers his role in dealing with college students who have such poor reading ability. (SJL)

Computer-based, self-evaluation tests are being used at the University of Waikato in Physics, Education, Geography, and French courses. Details of procedures, examples of tests, and an interactive test writing program are given. The development of the system to accommodate a wide range of subjects is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Lack of independent review process in professional schools and refusal of courts to review errors not resulting from arbitrariness, caprice, or bad faith leave student and societal interests in accurate grading inadequately protected. (Journal availability: University of the Pacific, 3201 Donner Way, Sacramento, CA 95817.) (MSE)

Test validity, coaching, the college admissions process, and achievement tests are discussed by the director of the Iowa Testing Programs. Data published on the SAT are examined. It is suggested that systematic instruction in problem-solving skills may improve not only test performance but also skills the test is designed to assess. (Author/MLW)

Responses by academic department heads in higher education institutions are reported regarding the current situation and recent trends in assessment purposes and practices; problems observed, improvements favored and suspected barriers to those improvements; and rules, policies, controls and review procedures are included. The author's comments on…

Reported is the development of a valid and reliable test of integrated science process skills that could be used with secondary science students by teachers, evaluators, and researchers. A 36-question, multiple-choice test was designed to measure integrated process skill achievement. (Author/DS)

The Italian educational system's experiences with national examinations might help United States educators understand the impact of state tests on students, schools, and education in general. (JT)

Illustrates the importance of carefully interpreting reading test results. (JT)

Describes a competency assessment system developed for use with preservice and inservice teachers and reports the reliability and validity of the instrument. Presents data from a tryout of the assessment system with a group of preservice science teachers. (CS)

Two years after the implementation of Florida's Educational Accountability Act, which mandates statewide competency testing in reading, writing, and arithmetic, the author cites the advantages of the program, refutes criticisms of it and reviews the challenge to it in Federal District court, the Debra P. V. Turlington case. (SJL)