The degree to which laptop and standard-size desktop computers are likely to produce comparable test results for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test was studied. Verbal, quantitative, and writing sections of a retired version of the GRE were used, since it was expected that performance on reading passages or mathematics items might…

In response to the large numbers of students who were failing or dropping out of basic algebra and calculus classes, Cottey College, in Missouri, developed a math placement program in 1982 using Basic Algebra (BA) and Calculus Readiness (CR) tests from the Mathematical Association of America's Placement Testing Program. Cut off scores for the…

The use of a variation of linear programing (goal programing) to develop a test blueprint with multiple specification requirements, is the topic of this paper. The computer program STORM was used to develop a table of test specifications for a test that would measure achievement in introductory statistics in the subdomains of frequency…

In 1989, a survey was conducted of 1,003 two-year colleges and 997 four-year colleges to identify criteria used to place students into Calculus I and II, determine respondents' perceptions of the effectiveness of the placement procedures, and gather information on the first-year calculus curricula of the schools. Study findings, based on usable…

College students having a poor high school mathematics background or returning to school after many years may want concrete tips and procedures to help them improve their grades in mathematics. This book provides those tips and procedures proven effective in improving a student's ability to learn mathematics and take tests. Pre-test study skills…

Raising the level of academic achievement of all students in New Jersey has been a major goal since 1982. As a part of that effort, the focus has changed from the low expectations of the Minimum Basic Skills program to the more rigorous demands of the High School Proficiency Test. This report includes background information on the effort to…

This bulletin provides general information about the achievement testing program and specific information about the design, the composition, and the scoring of the Grade 3 Mathematics Achievement Test in Alberta. Contents included are: (1) "General Information," describing the purpose, nature, and administration of the program; (2)…

The Van Hiele theory asserts that there exist five hierarchical levels of geometric thinking that a successful learner passes through. The purpose of the study described in this paper was to investigate the geometric understanding and misconceptions in students in the fourth through eighth grades who have been identified as gifted. The students…

The North Carolina End-of-Course Testing Program was established to provide student, school, and school system information about achievement in high school courses. This report describes: (1) "Characteristics of Algebra I Students"; (2) "Student Performance on the Core Test"; (3) "Combining Performance and Participation:…

The North Carolina End-of-Course Testing Program was established to provide student, school, and school system information about achievement in high school courses. This report describes: (1) "Characteristics of Algebra II Students"; (2) "Student Performance on the Core Test"; (3) "Combining Performance and Participation:…

The North Carolina End-of-Course Testing Program was established to provide student, school, and school system information about achievement in high school courses. This report describes: (1) "Geometry End-of-Course Test"; (2) "Scoring Geometry Proofs"; (3) "Characteristics of Geometry Students"; (4) "Student…

This digest offers guidance in identifying and nurturing mathematical talent in children. Mathematical talent is defined and the characteristics of mathematically talented students are listed. Some mathematically talented students do not achieve well in school mathematics due to a mismatch between the student and the mathematics program. Ways that…

Some understanding of biology is needed for the success of individuals in modern societies. This monograph is a report of an assessment of educational achievement by a sample of secondary school biology students in the United States within the context of current knowledge of teaching and learning strategies, the role of biological literacy in…

A nominal response model-based computerized adaptive testing procedure (nominal CAT) was implemented using simulated data. Ability estimates from the nominal CAT were compared to those from a CAT based upon the three-parameter logistic model (3PL CAT). Furthermore, estimates from both CAT procedures were compared with the known true abilities used…

Six editions of Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematical (SAT-M) were factor analyzed using confirmatory and exploratory methods. Confirmatory factor analyses (using the LISREL VI program) were conducted on correlation matrices among item parcels--sums of scores on a small subset of items. Item parcels were constructed to yield correlation matrices…