Results of multiple-choice tests in educational psychology were examined to discover the effects on students' scores of changing their original answer choices after reconsideration. Eighty-six percent of the students changed one or more answers, and six out of seven students who made changes improved their scores by doing so. (Author/CTM)

A university chemistry comprehensive final examination was analyzed to determine the extent to which it reflected the subject matter of the corresponding degree program. Although the various courses seemed adequately represented, the sampling of topics within a course tended to be low. The appropriateness of this form of assessment is discussed.…

Effective assessment is crucial to outcome-based learning programs. One choice to be made in such programs is whether assessment of student learning should be carried out within course structures or external to them. Advantages to each approach are suggested. The overall recommendation is for external assessment. (Author/MLW)

Argues on the basis of Piaget's theory that self-regulated cognitive activity of the student plays a crucial role in the construction of logical reasoning strategies used in testing hypotheses. Proposes six sequences in the development of hypothesis-testing conceptions and provides alternatives. Also distinguishes three families of teaching…

Two techniques classroom teachers can use to screen students' ability to read and understand their text are described. The Cloze Placement Inventory and Group Reading Inventory are recommended for testing groups of students in various subjects in grades four through college. (Author/DS)

The New Jersey State Department of Education is implementing a program to evaluate every school on its basic skills instruction, improvement plans, and legal compliance. Unsatisfactory schools face labeling and a comprehensive program review. This article outlines the state plan and the New Jersey Education Association's objections to it. (SJL)

Peoria's efforts with the development and implications of a Minimum Competency Testing (MCT) program are described, including the program model used, numbers of high school seniors and seventh graders who passed the pilot test sequence, and views on the advantages, disadvantages, and effectiveness of the MCT program. (Editor/SJL)

Coded, as opposed to free response items, in a multiple choice physiology test had a cueing effect which raised students' scores, especially for lower achievers. Reliability of coded items was also lower. Item format and scoring method had an effect on test results. (GDC)

A survey of the self-esteem, sex-role orientation, and perceived spouse support of women returning to work or school revealed that the first two factors were not related to the actual support received. Although most respondents felt that they had spouse support, they still perform essentially traditional domestic roles. (SK)

Results and implications from the attitude exercises of the second National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for mathematics are presented and discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Computer-managed instruction (CMI) has potential for helping solve research and instructional management problems. Computer-managed individualized instruction involves the scoring of diagnostic tests, generation of study prescriptions, and record keeping. (JN)

Unless there is a renewed effort by educators to reach a consensus on the meaning of competency in the teaching profession, the promise of the competency based teacher education movement will be as elusive as its terminology. (Authors/CJ)

Empirical findings lend credence to the postulation that differences among teachers regarding content knowledge ( being more pronounced in the upper grades regarding cognitive attainment of course specific content), instructional skills, and teaching experience do result in cognitive attainment differences among classes of learners. (Author/RL)

Although many parents remain unfamiliar with the testing programs offered in their children's schools, recent surveys show that parent groups are becoming increasingly interested in the critical issues surrounding testing. Parents should assume responsiblity for monitoring the progress of their children and learn the facts about standardized…

Examines the implementation and operation of Tri-County Technical College's developmental education program. Specific topics covered include the selection of program personnel, the development of a diagnostic testing component, articulation with other academic departments, and the compilation of progress reports which provide for continuous…