Discusses state testing, various types of tests, and whether the increased attention to assessment is contributing to improved student learning. Describes uses of standardized multiple-choice, open-ended constructed response, essay, performance event, and portfolio methods. (JOW)

Patients with third-fifth grade reading ability (n=16) and with higher ability (n=32) completed nursing care satisfaction questionnaires with either a Likert scale, yes/no/uncertain, or pictorial format. Yes/no/uncertain and Likert formats elicited the same information. All patients had difficulty with negatively worded items. (Contains 45…

Derived shortened versions of the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) (S. Hollon and P. Kendall, 1980) using samples of 434 and 419 adults. Cross-validation with samples of 163 and 91 adults showed support for the shortened versions. Overall, results suggest that these short forms are useful in measuring cognitions associated with depression.…

Evaluated the alternate forms reliability of new versus old tasks of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) (A. Fisher, 1993). Participants were 44 persons from the AMPS database. Results support good alternate forms reliability of the motor and process ability measures and suggest that the newly calibrated tasks can be used reliably in…

In this article we consider the extent to which the Document-Based Question (DBQ) on the New York State Global History and Geography exam represents an authentic task. The DBQ seems like a significant step toward authenticity, especially when compared with traditional forced-choice assessments. Drawing on the characteristics of authentic tasks as…

A set of design patterns for digital item types has been developed in response to challenges identified in various projects by teachers in higher education. The goal of the projects in question was to design and develop formative and summative tests, and to develop interactive learning material in the form of quizzes. The subject domains involved…

One purpose of a college education is to create active and engaged citizens and future leaders. If everyone wants students who have the potential to become such people, it is necessary to keep in mind the skills involved in good citizenship and positive leadership when evaluating applicants. Many of the leaders who have gotten the world into its…

Randomly equivalent forms (REF) of tests in listening and reading for nonnative speakers of English were created by stratified random assignment of items to forms, stratifying on item content and predicted difficulty. The study included 50 replications of the procedure for each test. Each replication generated 2 REFs. The equivalence of those 2…

This article responds to points raised in the article "The paired format in the Cambridge Speaking Tests" by Julie Norton in the 59/4 issue of this Journal on the potential drawbacks of a paired format in oral testing, based on observations about the nature of the discourse produced in this context. This article argues that, although the author…

The findings of research on short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-Revised are used to illustrate points about three criteria for evaluating the usefulness of a short form. Results indicate there is little justification for regarding the three criteria as criteria. (Author/BL)

This study analyzed the results of applying two different methods of likert-scale construction (single-column and discrepancy-column formats). The findings indicated that the discrepancy format provides stronger discrimination for purposes of measuring need. (Author/BW)

Contends that the Speech Sounds Perception Test form (Adult and Midrange versions) is structured such that correct responses can be determined rationally. If a patient identifies and responds according to that structure, the validity of the test is compromised. Posttest interview is suggested as a simple solution. (Author/JAC)

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides this booklet to help in preparing for the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE). Part I of this booklet is an overview that answers some basic questions about the PSAE: What is it? What will it cover? When will it be given? Part II is a preparation guide for the five tests that are…

An approach is described for the characterization of test questions in terms of the information in a passage relevant to answering them and the nature of the relationship of this information to the questions. The approach offers several advantages over previous algorithms for the production of test items. (Author/GDC)

Three-item orderings and two levels of knowledge of ordering were used to study differences in test results, student's perception of the test's fairness and difficulty, and student's estimation of test performance. No significant order effect was found. (Author/GK)