This technical report describes the procedures followed in developing the tests used in the California Assessment Program, the underlying principles of the program, the statistical characteristics of the tests, and the evidence that has been accumulated relating to the validity and reliability of the tests. The report also presents complete…

Results are summarized of New Jersey's Minimum Basic Skills reading and mathematics tests which were administered to all state public school students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11, in March, 1979. These results are also briefly compared to the results of the 1977-1978 testing program. Almost 300,000 students are reported to have taken these tests,…

To portray the status of minimum competency testing programs nationwide; as of June 30, 1979, on-site visits were conducted with directors of all 31 state programs and 20 local district programs. Most programs were developed since 1976; 14 state and 13 local programs are fully implemented. The state board of education mandated 16 state programs;…

Although older persons are increasing both in number and as a proportion of the total American population, they are not taking advantage of educational opportunities. Barriers to their educational efforts include inadequate transportation, lack of money, poor health, program scheduling, and the attitude that learning is for others. Available…

The public's reasons for encouraging the competency testing of teachers are discussed, as well as arguments against teacher testing. Testing activities or considered legislation in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Virginia, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arizona, Wisconsin, and New York are briefly…

In the first section of this collection of essays on part-time faculty development, Carol Eliason outlines the problems inherent in current staff development practices and a systems approach to their solution. Then, David Harris voices concerns and challenges from the college president's perspective. Richard Smith explains the benefits of…

After studying the testing and remedial programs used in Florida's public schools, the Task Force on Educational Assessment Programs presented its findings and recommendations. Findings are reported regarding: the schedule for implementing the testing program (which requires that students pass the Functional Literacy Test before they may graduate…

THE CENTER WAS ESTABLISHED ON JUNE 1, 1965, UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ACT OF 1963, PUBLIC LAW 88-210. TWO PROGRAMS WERE INITIATED DURING THE CONTRACT PERIOD. THE FIRST INVOLVED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON PROBLEMS IN SIX AREAS--(1) OCCUPATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SOUTH, (2) SHAPING FLEXIBLE VOCATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN YOUTH, (3)…

Results of the second administration of the New Jersey Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) Tests in reading and mathematics are reported for students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11. The reading tests are organized according to clusters of items: (1) word recognition; (2) comprehension; and (3) study skills. The mathematics tests are also organized into…

This paper explores the issue of establishing and evaluating objectives for local career education programs. It presents a perspective on the state of the art based on reviews of the literature. Although it is addressed principally to local program developers and managers, the paper is also aimed at state career education coordinators. After a…

A product of joint effort between the Colorado Department of Institutions and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the guide presents hierarchically arranged instructional objectives to determine goals for developmentally disabled persons. The most advanced skills are listed first with basic skills following for four major categories:…

Ten major activities comprised the development of the Oregon State Plan for Career Education. (1) An advisory group was formed to provide advice and assistance during the developmental stages. (2) It was determined to base the plan on an assessment of student needs. (3) Goals in the areas of career awareness and exploration were evaluated and…

In 1976, New Jersey public law established uniform statewide minimum standards in the basic communication and computational skills for publicly educated students in the state. To implement the law for the year 1976-77, the New Jersey Educational Assessment Program administered tests to all fourth, seventh, and tenth grade students. These tests…

Reflecting concern with the nationwide decline in basic skills mastery, the 1975 statewide basic skills tests of the New Jersey Educational Assessment Program (NJEAP) were used to assess the relative performance of college bound seniors. The results of a random 10% sample of the 55,000 students in college preparatory programs were compared with…

A procedure which employs a method of item substitution based on item difficulty is recommended for developing parallel criterion referenced test forms. This procedure is currently being used in the Florida functional literacy testing program and the Georgia teacher certification testing program. Reasons for developing parallel test forms involve…