This case study shows how testing in Mississippi is used as an effective part of a statewide accountability and instructional improvement program. By using criterion-referenced testing as one aspect of a program evaluation requirement, Mississippi is basing instructional improvement on student performance. (Author)

Family background data and California Psychological Inventory (CPI) protocols were obtained from 1643 Greek students from 19 schools in the City of Athens. The CPI measures showed sufficient predictive validity in this cross-cultural application to warrant further research at higher educational levels, and in special subgroups such as the…

The American College Testing Program (ACT) makes available to institutions a variety of tools and training materials to enhance academic advising. These include a student profile/interest inventory/development test package, programed manual, training sessions and publications, and consulting services. (MSE)

Nine definitions of minimum competency testing (MCT) found in the literature are examined, with major issues for policymakers to consider as they make decisions whether MCT will serve the goals and purposes of their testing programs. Perceived benefits and costs and criticisms based on implementation procedures are discussed. (Author/CM)

Discusses the design and scoring of the writing proficiency exam conducted at San Francisco State University. Explains the program's counseling system for those students who do not pass the proficiency exam. (HTH)

Reports results of a 1979 national survey of test usage in grades 7-12. Results indicated schools continued to give tests and desired to do more testing, at least for career guidance, if funds were available. Found the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery was the most popular career guidance test. (Author/JAC)

Through course management and careful measurement of student performance, and through appropriate use of media and microprocessors in instruction, more effective courses can be developed. (Author/MK)

Describes interpretation technique for providing detailed feedback to students about their performance on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Students summarize their own performance on each major skill. The practical aspects of understanding the full use of routinely collected data make the approach desirable. (Author)

The condensed testimony of John Gordon Weiss, of The Committee for Fair and Open Testing, before the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly Education Committees, February 11, l981. Mr. Weiss focuses on misleading publicity and misscoring by the Educational Testing Service and on New York State's Truth-in-Testing legislation. (Editor/SJL)

Summarizes the basic skills testing programs of Pennsylvania State University, City University of New York, University System of Georgia, and the state of New Jersey. Discusses the use of test results, remedial courses offered, administration of the programs, and program evaluation. (JM)

The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) was administered to kindergarten-aged chilren to obtain General Cognitive Indices (CGI). A short form of the MSCA was developed to select six subtests that best predicted the CGI. (Author/BEF)

Kentucky is reintroducing the norm-referenced, multiple-choice test. Students will be given both performance and multiple-choice tests, beginning in spring 1997. Kean believes this multiple-measures approach is a common-sense way to provide the measurement-driven accountability that most states require. Neill deplores multiple-choice testing and…

Discusses issues associated with the use of holistic and analytic scoring methods in large-scale student assessments. Reviews the education literature and describes the recent Saskatchewan study comparing the results of the two scoring approaches applied to an achievement test taken by about 1,600 third graders. (SLD)

Outlines a framework for considering the validity of standards-based score interpretations and then considers the potential roles of different stakeholder groups and other participants in that process. Suggests study of a new standard-setting method, the "briefing book," which would describe alternative cut scores. (SLD)