A study program and test collection project was recently completed by the Clearinghouse for Applied Performance Testing at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL). The project focused on two separate, but related, objectives: compilation of self-study programs leading directly to certification or licensing and development of a survey…

Describes the development and testing of the North Carolina minimal competency testing program. (IRT)

The performance superiority of the visual/in-balance condition over all other conditions leads to the conclusion that the supplementary visual feedback technique as a reinforcement to correct responding has the greatest effect on the acquisition of the stabilometer task by educable, mentally retarded children. (Author)

Briefly describes what is meant by the English examination system, how it has come to take the forms that it does, and why such importance is attached to it. Thereafter, some problems and developments in examinations in art and design education are considered with six examination proposals summarizing the aims of art and design studies. (Author/RK)

Argues that while spoken language has received a great deal of attention during the past decade, the methods of its examination have received too little. (AA)

A new multiple abilities battery, the Comprehensive Ability Battery, is described, and the results of five criterion-related validity studies using eleven tests of the battery are reported. (Author/JKS)

Students graduating from Westside High must meet hour and competency test requirements. The seven competency tests are in reading, writing, mathematics, democratic process, problem-solving, oral communication, and consumerism. (IRT)

Offers some suggestions for 16+ reform. (Editor)

An inexpensive videotape testing system has been developed at the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical TV-Cinematography at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The development and validation of a test using this system to assess observational skills important for accurate physical diagnosis are described. (LBH)

This study examines the degree, the style, and the importance of participative linkage between central, region, and school offices in carrying out management of a large urban school district. A systems approach for implementation of a districtwide testing program was chosen as the framework of the research. (Author/LMO)

State directors of teacher certification and testing provided updated data (reports, press clippings, manuals, legislative hearings, and validity studies) in April 1987 describing their testing programs and the latest passing rates. Twenty-seven states have admissions testing programs, and 44 have certification testing programs. It is unclear…

This four-year study investigated factors associated with stage of concern and change in stage of concern of teachers and principals when implementing a benchmark testing program in a large school district. Findings are presented and discussed. (Author/MT)

Examines reasons for using essay tests in the direct assessment of writing ability. Reviews the steps in developing a large-scale testing program; e.g., creating a pool of topics or prompts; developing scoring procedures; training raters; field-testing the system; scoring writing samples; assessing reliability; and assessing validity. (DMM)

The use of reporting final examinations in the Netherlands is described. Each October a public report is published by Cito, supplying information about the achieved level of education and describing observed psychometric qualities of the measurement instrument. General information needs are provided by the National Bureau of Statistics. (LMO)

Examines the new state-mandated high school graduation tests emerging in response to perceived declines in educational standards. Indicates general consequences for implementing these tests, including public perceptions based on a "box score" mentality. As competency measures, the tests have had little impact on pupils, teachers,…