The problems inherent in the use of norm-referenced achievement tests in evaluating reading comprehension may be alleviated through the use of a criterion-referenced, cloze type test. The Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) Test, published by the College Entrance Examination Board (1980), was designed to measure students' ability to understand English…

An investigation is described of the ORT ONLY MODEL, which is one of four models being used to obtain national norm-referenced and local criterion- or objective-referenced information from a single assessment instrument. Raw scores on a norm-referenced test (NRT) were equated to raw scores on an objective-referenced test (ORT). Resultant equating…

A study examined the relationship of native language and level of English proficiency to the structure of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Using all of the information provided by various responses to the test's items (the four alternatives, omitted, and not reached), the items' interrelations were analyzed by three-way…

The Test Analysis Package (TAP) consists of three microcomputer programs that edit, score, summarize, and analyze student test data. Features of the TAP system include: (1) an editor that allows creation of a student test data file without the use of a separate word processor; (2) a scoring mechanism that can score a test data file of 999 students…

This paper proposes that instructional validity (i.e., the extent to which teachers actually teach the skills that are tested) should be part of the test development process. The development of a district-wide ninth-grade math exam for General Mathematics I (GMI) in the Charleston County School District, South Carolina, is used to illustrate how a…

The Research Services of the National Education Association (NEA) conducted a nationwide teacher opinion poll (TOP) based upon a stratified disproportionate two-state cluster sample of classroom teachers. This research study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the order of presentation of items would make no difference in the conclusions…

Project Basic is a program developed by the Maryland State Department of Education to assure that students attain basic skills in a variety of areas. Two levels of tests are given in grade 7 to monitor progress, and in grades 9 to 12 to determine whether each student has met the state minimum competency level. Students must pass the higher level…

This report is intended to assist those agencies considering using California's Corrections Officer Examination as a tool for selecting personnel. It is intended to provide agencies with guidance in setting test cutoff scores rather than an exhaustive discussion of all of the factors that must be considered before setting cutoff scores for actual…

Knowledge of the nature of human population growth is necessary to understand the world as well as to manage population-related problems in health, education, and environmental protection. The Second International Science Study asked U.S. students to select the graph that best portrayed the nature of population increases in the past 1,000 years.…

Traditional tests, sometimes called prescientific, and post-modern tests, such as cloze tests and dictations, take the same approach toward content validity: the examinee must show in an "integrated facile performance" that he or she can use the language fluently. Where traditional tests fail is in a third dimension, test method. These…

Problems in validating ability tests for handicapped students and research approaches to predictive validity are discussed. Validity for handicapped persons tested under regular conditions; for applicants to special programs, and for tests taken under special administrative conditions are considered. Item analysis and the construction of new…

These career assessment guidelines provide an assessment packet that can be used by special education teachers or guidance counselors to assess the vocational and career interests of middle and high school special education students. The materials are designed to assist with test interpretation, to help high school students make realistic…

This paper reviews seven research studies on the subject of readability. The first study reviewed is itself an extensive review of 30 readability formulas described by George A. Klare. Of these, five formulas considered to be interesting, unusual, or classic on the basis of high validity, simplicity or complexity, common or uncommon variables, and…

This paper reports the results of a survey conducted in the spring of l981 that was designed to collect and summarize guidelines on appropriate test use from the various organizations, agencies, and associations involved in standardized educational testing. The primary objective of the study was to learn how these various groups define the issues…

Cognitive deficits in Black and other minority children have been assumed, described, and explained. This article presents an overview of this "conversation" and its implication, discusses relevant but often overlooked research, provides additional references and suggests directions for research. (Author)