A set of prototype measures has been developed to measure students' understanding of content areas. Although the starting point has been history, the project has explored the use of a common model for assessment in geography and science as well. These prototypes are intended to provide models for users with assessment requirements who do not have…

The fifth-grade and eighth-grade science items on a state performance assessment were compared for differential item functioning (DIF) due to gender. The grade 5 sample consisted of 8,539 females and 8,029 males and the grade 8 sample consisted of 7,477 females and 7,891 males. A total of 30 fifth grade items and 26 eighth grade items were…

The world of education can be considered a natural laboratory in which different countries are experimenting with different strategies. This report presents the findings of the First and Second International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Science Studies. The book contains the following chapters: (1) Issues in…

How two students with the same number-correct score, calculated by dramatically different patterns of responses, can achieve the same ability estimate is demonstrated. The present study investigated the incidence of person misfit to the model in a nationally standardized test of achievement devised using the Rasch item response theory model. It…

The norm of "universalism" determines maintenance of science in society by preventing restriction of access to the field on grounds other than competence. Inferences for this theory are made on the basis of a test-case of the proposition that differential socialization predicts entry into the scientific talent pool. The Early Childhood Women in…

Results of the Diploma Examinations Program conducted by Alberta Education during June 1989 are provided. This report is designed to assist policymakers and educators in reviewing the effectiveness of their programs and in reinforcing instructional successes previously achieved. The grade 12 program is intended to develop and maintain excellence…

The purpose of this study was to compare empirical and subjective procedures for identifying science test items which discriminate against males or females in a fifth grade population (n=926). Techniques such as the Mantel-Haenszel procedure enable test developers to use both a priori and ex post facto procedures to identify specific items that…

This report assesses the results of the administration, during June of 1987, of the Grade 12 diploma examinations in the Province of Alberta, Canada. Most of the data is tabulated. The examination program consists of course-specific examinations that are based on the prescribed Program of Studies for Senior High Schools for the following courses:…

Available sources of information on academic achievement levels of American elementary and secondary school students as compared to their counterparts in major foreign countries are analyzed. Focus is on testing conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) in Stockholm (Sweden). The IEA tests…

The Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) Grade 11 Test is designed to measure proficiency in four subject areas including English, mathematics, social studies, and science. This guide for science is intended to provide a description of the way in which specific skill areas are assessed on the LEAP test and instructional considerations…

This paper describes the characterization of a student's framework of heat and temperature, and the development of a microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) intervention program for grade 9 and grade ll students. The report presents the results of classroom study, including interview questions and answers and pretest/posttest, from experimental and…

The objective of this project was to develop a valid and reliable multiple choice test of six basic science process skills for students in grades 4 to 8 (ages 8 to 14 years). Seven criteria were outlined for the test: an emphasis on the six most widely used science process skills (observation, inference, prediction, measurement, communication, and…

Information is presented about the grade 12 diploma examinations for Mathematics 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Physics 30 to be administered in 1988. Included are both the French and English language versions of the document. Topics explained include: (1) general format of the examinations (stating the content, emphasis, and time allotments);…

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) was examined for sex bias. Data for student samples from two midwestern state-supported medical schools were analyzed. The criteria included average course grades in each of the first two years of medical school. Tests comparing various regression models based on male and female subgroups generally failed…

The Australian Science Item Bank consists of three volumes of multiple-choice questions. Book 1 contains questions on Physics and Astronomy. The questions are designed to be suitable for high school students (year 8 to year 12 in Australian schools). The questions are classified by the subject content of the question, the cognitive skills required…