This study investigated the effect of a linguistically based coaching program (with special attention given to the syntactic and semantic requirements of standardized language arts achievement tests) on the performance of selected black high school students on objective tests. The five subjects, one male and four female, were high school juniors…

This study assessed the effects of an intensive 64-hour Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) coaching program on urban, gifted students' test scores. Ninety-seven students participated in the summer coaching program; 47 formed the comparison group. Results are discussed and analyzed. (JL)

Provides a sampling of recent program development ideas that show the varied nature of test wiseness instruction. Warns that teachers are unsophisticated test writers. (ARH)

Compared gifted (n=97), talented (n=53), and nongifted (n=90) intermediate school children in terms of divergent thinking fluency, flexibility, and originality scores elicited by standard and explicit instructions. Results indicated that the scores of all groups were significantly different in the two instructional conditions. (Author/ABB)

Test-taking skills not only should but can be taught. Discussed are four strategies of test wiseness which research has shown to be of value: (1) physical, emotional, and intellectual preparation; (2) time-use strategies; (3) error-avoidance strategies; and (4) guessing strategies. (RM)

There are a number of issues to consider in choosing tests, including alignment of tests and standards, the integration of tests with curriculum and instruction, the quality of the tests, and a clear definition of the purpose of the test. To address the various needs reflected by these issues, PLATO Learning, Inc., offers two curriculum-wide…

The state in which the target school is located recently mandated a standardized examination to assess academic progress in high schools. This sparked the interest of the target schools administration and teachers in finding ways to assist students in improving standardized examination performance. A comparison group of 4 classes of approximately…

This theme issue reviews the advantages and disadvantages of testing. Both activists and researchers seem to agree that tests measure a limited range of skills and that test preparation alone does not improve teaching or learning. There is also substantial agreement among researchers and activists opposed to widespread test use that no single…

This paper discusses approaches to raising student test scores. At present, 49 of 50 states mandate tests for students in selected grades, and each school district is under pressure to have students score at a higher level than they did before. Teaching students to do better on tests is a frequent approach. It has some advantages, but also has the…

The president of the school board of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Illinois mandated that the Student Assessment unit provide training for all CPS teachers on how to help their students score higher on standardized tests. This paper describes the two books developed as training materials and their preparation. The first step was a literature…

This booklet illustrates proven instructional strategies to help teachers help students raise their test scores. Techniques are outlined that will help students improve their communication skills, learn how to mediate their thinking strategies, and understand the best way to attack a question. The advice is developed in the structure of an…

This is a bibliographic list of coaching studies on the SAT conducted by external researchers.

The relationship of three medical college policies on the results of the National Board of Medical Examiners test was examined. Only the policy recommending a review course for the test had a significant effect on test results. (Author/PN)

Offers strategies for improving student scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Covers three areas: improvement in instructional quality in high schools; analysis and refinement of opportunities for students to demonstrate and practice test-taking skills; and enhancement of understanding and support among parents, community, and staff. (PGD)

Test measurement, reliability, and validity are discussed in relation to methods of physical fitness testing. A successful testing method which involved students testing their peers is described, showing the administration of various test items and the use of test practice procedures. (JN)