Many educational testing programs report examinee performance at more than two levels of proficiency. Whether these assessments have the capacity to support these multiple inferences, though, is a topic that has not been widely discussed. This study proposes a method for evaluating the minimum number of measurement opportunities for reporting…

The presumed November match-up produced by the long presidential-primary season offers contrasting approaches to K-12 policy, along with some common ground on the basics of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Senator John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican nominee, and Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, his Democratic counterpart, both…

This document, in both English and French versions, is the Mathematics 33 Grade 12 Diploma Examination from Alberta Education. It is a 2.5 hour closed-book examination consisting of 37 multiple-choice and 12 numerical-response questions of equal value that are worth 70% of the examination, and 4 written-response questions of equal value worth 30%…

The modeling of longitudinal and multilevel data using a latent variable framework is reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on growth modeling. Examples are discussed where repeated observations are made on students sampled within classrooms and schools. The concept of a latent variable is a convenient way to represent statistical variation not…

This bibliography identifies reports of research on the effects of variables other than knowledge of content on mathematics test performance. The listing was developed for a synthesis of its research, performed by meta-analysis at Adrian College, Michigan, in 1985. Variables chosen for study were determined by the criterion that each could be…

A study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the DMI Mathematics Systems Objective Inventory (DMIMS) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) content by process matrix prepared for the Fourth Assessment of Mathematics. The DMIMS is a criterion-referenced standardized test comprised of seven levels, and it can be used…

This paper reports the results of using several alternative methods of setting cut scores. The methods used were: (1) a variation of the Angoff method (1971); (2) a variation of the borderline group method; and (3) an advanced impact method (G. Dillon, 1996). The results discussed are from studies undertaken to set the cut scores for fourth grade…

Evaluates situational bias that could be associated with curriculum-based measurement (CBM). During CBM, students are timed while responding. Results showed that students' accuracy levels increased under the conspicuous timing conditions, but there was no interaction between timing condition and ethnicity for digits correct per minute, digits…

Addresses the criticisms and points made by S. Michelson and V. Willson and N. Kellow, demonstrating weaknesses in their analyses and defending the original study of the relationship between per capita income and the scores of 10th graders on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment in mathematics. (SLD)

The effect of item context on differential item performance based on gender on mathematics test items was studied, using 404 male and 375 female adults. The analyses were based on a modified one-parameter item response theory methodology. Gender differences emerged; however, they may be due to chance. (TJH)

It is argued that a clear vision of the role of qualitative methods in educational research is needed. A series of six guidelines to chart that vision is presented, and the notion of research genres within a postmodern framework is used to reconcile the differences between qualitative and quantitative research. (SLD)

Suggests important roles for the mathematics test: certifying procedural skills, informing instruction, and preparation for sense-making. Offers cautions about the limitations of the teacher-produced test. (MKR)

Capacity limitations in absolute judgment tasks are discussed in relation to information theory. Information theory can provide a quantitative way of resolving questions about limitations on the amount of information we can receive and the process of recoding. (SLD)

Described is a high school mathematics testing program reported to help improve students' mathematics performance. Features and results of the program are discussed. (CW)

Examines three elementary teachers' conceptions about mathematics assessment in the context of their practice. Teachers' beliefs are shaped by externally defined functions and purposes of assessment; what teachers perceive as the official school curriculum and their position with regard to subject matter; and how they understand learning and…