A methodology for investigating the influence of correction-for-guessing directions and formula scoring on test performance was studied. Experts in the test content field used a judgmental item appraisal system to estimate the knowledge of the minimally competent candidate (MCC) and to predict those items that the MCC would omit on the test under…

This twelfth grade diploma examination is written in both French and English. The test consists of 52 multiple-choice items and three written response questions. Two and one-half hours are provided for taking the test; approved calculators may be used. The test content covers a wide range of mathematical topics including: geometry; trigonometry;…

The North Carolina End-of-Course Testing Program was established to provide student, school, and school system information about achievement in high school courses. The 59,723 students who took the Algebra I End-of-Course Test in 1987-88 were a subgroup of the school population in the eighth through twelfth grades. The proportion of students…

A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) to determine the comparability of the two tests used in Florida to assess students' entry-level skills, the Florida Multiple Assessment Programs and Services (MAPS) battery and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The study also sought to determine the effect of altering SAT cutoff scores…

The "General Mathematics" series contains six modules, intended to help students become more competent with basic mathematics. The Measurements module is designed to allow students to build or increase their level of understanding of measurements. The module helps students develop those skills necessary to successfully understand and use basic…

The psychometric integrity of selected items from the Mathematics Association of America (MAA) placement tests for college students was investigated. Two alternative and parallel versions of the test were developed (Form A and Form B) for this study. Data for 539 students seeking admission into an undergraduate mathematics curriculum at a private…

This document contains a set of standards for mathematics curricula in North American schools (K-12) and for evaluating the quality of both the curriculum and student achievement. In the introduction, the background, need, and overview of these standards are described. A total of 54 standards are divided into four categories: (1) "Curriculum…

This report consists of data tables summarizing test results statewide for students in grades 11 and 12 who took the New Jersey Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) test in March, 1987. The MBS assesses minimum skills in reading and mathematics. It is used as the graduation test for students who entered ninth grade prior to September 1985 and have not yet…

The Austin Independent School District Office of Research and Evaluation (AISD-ORE) has recently completed a three year study of the effects of retention on elementary students. As in other studies comparing the academic achievement of elementary retainees and similar students not retained, findings indicated that promoted students generally show…

Article discusses two questions--what is the research base for the recommendations made by the NCTM Standards for School Mathematics Committee and what is the agenda for new research implied by the standards. (PK)

The connection between length of school day and time allocated to 10 school subjects and scores for grade 6 in reading, writing, and mathematics was studied for 1,030 schools in the 1982 California Assessment Program. More time for science and mathematics and a longer school day correlated with higher test scores in all subjects. (SLD)

Looks at school-based assessment within a norm-referenced framework which replaced external examinations for all year levels of high school in Queensland (Australia) beginning in 1973. Suggests that changes have made little advance, have used an enormous amount of resources, but have acted as an impetus to examine assessment and curriculum. (PK)

Reports on the seventh grade and eleventh grade results of the fourth mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Addresses students' performance on variables and relations, geometry, fundamental methods of mathematics, and attitudes. (PK)

Argues that tests should be used to improve instructional programs. Specific suggestions include the study of reports on test performance, item analysis on classroom tests, item analysis as a part of standardized test reports, use of diagnostic or inventory tests, and careful selection of test items. (PK)

Technical high school students in Japan were given a test of consumer mathematics and items from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Expectations of students' scores were predicted by their teachers and by corporate employers. Scores were quite high and were higher than comparative NAEP data. (GDC)