The objective of the report was to emphasize the importance of classroom contingencies on academic achievement. A study is reported where an introductory psychology class of 253 subjects was divided into four groups. Using a Latin Square design an intraclass analysis of the effects of test frequency (weekly vs monthly) and contingency grading…

This is the second report on the school achievement of children 6-11 years old in the noninstitutionalized population of the United States as estimated from the Reading and Arithmetic subtest data of the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) obtained in the Health Examination Survey of 1963-65. It contains findings by selected demographic and…

A PLANNING CONFERENCE WAS HELD TO STUDY THE QUESTION OF EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDIZED FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING PROFICIENCY TESTS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS. THE CONSENSUS OF THE CONFERENCE WAS THAT STANDARDIZED TESTS WERE NEEDED AND THAT THERE BE TWO FOLLOWUP PHASES TO THE PLANNING CONFERENCE. PHASE 1 WOULD CONSIDER THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE…

Reviews current approaches to testing oral competence at 16plus and suggests some less artificial alternatives. (AA)

Two instructors write about some ideas they have implemented in their farm management program to help measure accountability. They describe the Minnesota Farm Business Analysis, use of the analysis summary book, income tax management, and budgeting and cash flow planning. (MF)

Discusses and presents a summary outline of state activity in minimum competency testing as of March 15, 1978. (IRT)

In testing minority students, one should be guided by three maxims: (1) "Know Thy Test"--what is being tested, how to administer the test, what reliance to place on results; (2) "Know Thy Student"--understand the population and its sociocultural milieu; (3) "Know Thyself"--personal attitudes and the programs and practices under one's control. (MJB)

Explains the differences between licensing and certification; trends in relicensure and recertification; types of occupational tests; and methods of preparing for occupational tests. Considers implications of testing for occupational education. (DMM)

This article discusses recent changes in formative and summative assessment in Scotland. The Examination system is being extended to cover all aspects of schooling for all pupils. There are extensive changes in the system, now called Scottish National Diploma, for those pursuing business, technical, or vocational courses. (LMO)

Notes that in 1985, California eighth-grade students took the first statewide history-social science test which emphasized critical thinking skills. Contends that these skills are teachable and should be a priority in social studies. Describes three approaches to critical thinking skills assessment and provides three examples. Concludes with…

Describes and illustrates the performance differences observed between boys and girls on California's history-social science assessments. Provides specific recommendations about what classroom teachers can do to help reduce these differences. (GEA)

The author explores ways in which the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery might provide the college admissions counselor with an additional set of test scores that, when used with scores from other standardized tests, might provide a more valid comprehensive evaluation of a student's academic potential. (Author/CH)

Two approaches, the minimax approach and the Rasch procedure, are described for the simultaneous determination of passing scores for subtests when the passing score for the total test is known. (Author/LMO)

The National Board of Medical Examiners uses the Rasch model to calibrate test items, maintain item banks, equate scores, and monitor the consistency of examiner item response patterns. The model is also being used in the study of patient management problems examinations, standard-setting, and computer-based examinations. (Author/BS)

An outcome of the excellence movement has been an increase in state control of education, especially through state-mandated testing, as testing has become the preferred means of trying to effect change in education following the popularity of accountability and minimum competency testing. Suggestions for using tests prudently are listed. (DCS)