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,…

Surveyed 145 counseling centers to gather information about the non-counseling-related testing services being offered. Found differences between centers at large and small institutions. Centers at large institutions administered significantly more individual and group tests, had more clerical staff, and generated more income than did centers at…

Reviews the policies of the Grossmont Community College District regarding basic skills testing and improvement and the programs that have been proposed or implemented in response to the policies (e.g., assessment/placement, student information, program referral, research follow-up, and learning assessment centers). (DMM)

Tips on improving student test scores fall into two categories: format training and environmental conditions. Environmental conditions include notifying parents of the test, emphasizing the importance of the test, and giving the test in familiar surroundings. Format training includes explaining multiple-choice options and answer sheets. (MLF)

The Learning Disabilities Unit of New York's State College of Optometry, providing testing and research for learning disabled adults and children and professional instruction and clinical experience for students of optometry and related fields, is described. (MSE)

This article presents the viewpoint that care must be taken to fit the specifics of a testing program to its intended purpose. Testing for diagnosing individual student learning and for school evaluation should not be confused. Statewide testing programs may provide evaluative information, but are inadequate sources of diagnostic information. (LMO)

Argues for the involvement of parents in school testing programs and describes six ways parents can help their students prepare for tests. (HOD)

Presents a short summary report of the results of a national survey, commissioned by the SCA Committee on Assessment and Testing, to determine the range and degree of assessment occurring in colleges and universities and to evaluate the methods used to assess the communication skills of college students. (PD)