This paper reports the results of using several alternative methods of setting cut scores. The methods used were: (1) a variation of the Angoff method (1971); (2) a variation of the borderline group method; and (3) an advanced impact method (G. Dillon, 1996). The results discussed are from studies undertaken to set the cut scores for fourth grade…

Evaluates situational bias that could be associated with curriculum-based measurement (CBM). During CBM, students are timed while responding. Results showed that students' accuracy levels increased under the conspicuous timing conditions, but there was no interaction between timing condition and ethnicity for digits correct per minute, digits…

Addresses the criticisms and points made by S. Michelson and V. Willson and N. Kellow, demonstrating weaknesses in their analyses and defending the original study of the relationship between per capita income and the scores of 10th graders on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment in mathematics. (SLD)

The effect of item context on differential item performance based on gender on mathematics test items was studied, using 404 male and 375 female adults. The analyses were based on a modified one-parameter item response theory methodology. Gender differences emerged; however, they may be due to chance. (TJH)

It is argued that a clear vision of the role of qualitative methods in educational research is needed. A series of six guidelines to chart that vision is presented, and the notion of research genres within a postmodern framework is used to reconcile the differences between qualitative and quantitative research. (SLD)

Suggests important roles for the mathematics test: certifying procedural skills, informing instruction, and preparation for sense-making. Offers cautions about the limitations of the teacher-produced test. (MKR)

Capacity limitations in absolute judgment tasks are discussed in relation to information theory. Information theory can provide a quantitative way of resolving questions about limitations on the amount of information we can receive and the process of recoding. (SLD)

Described is a high school mathematics testing program reported to help improve students' mathematics performance. Features and results of the program are discussed. (CW)

Examines three elementary teachers' conceptions about mathematics assessment in the context of their practice. Teachers' beliefs are shaped by externally defined functions and purposes of assessment; what teachers perceive as the official school curriculum and their position with regard to subject matter; and how they understand learning and…

Presents a procedure for standard setting that involves the cluster analysis of test takers to discover examinee groups that are useful for envisioning marginally competent performance or defining borderline or contrasting groups. Illustrates use of the procedure with a statewide mathematics test, and concludes that cluster analysis is useful in…

Shares experiences with coaching the Sixth-grade Math Olympiad Team in a middle school. Discusses the Olympiad and concludes that this activity is one way of providing mathematical experiences that have an enriching effect on young women and encourage their personal and mathematical growth. (ASK)

Examined predictors of attitudes and beliefs related to school and family and predictors of mathematics outcomes focusing on attitudes using data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Tested a model derived from Cyprus TIMSS data on U.S. and Japanese data. Findings highlight the complexity of factors accounting for…

Presents conflicting legislation on calculator usage in California and Virginia, and summarizes research favoring students' use of calculators while taking tests and solving classroom exercises or real-world problems. Another research study shows that stayers in school choice programs are likely to have chosen the school, have friends in the…

One hundred middle school students completed four measures of mathematics skills (involving basic facts and estimation) twice in one week. Criterion measures included school grades, standardized test scores, and teacher ratings. Correlation and regression analyses indicated the measures are reliable and possess acceptable levels of criterion…

Examined the organizational health of a typical set of high schools in Ohio, focusing on the influence of organizational health on mathematics proficiency as defined by the percentage of twelfth-grade students who passed the Ohio Proficiency Examination in Mathematics. (EV)