In the interests of improving and ensuring the quality of teachers in the schools, testing is increasingly becoming an integral part of the certification process. Almost all states currently require that prospective teachers pass a test either as a requirement for entering a teacher education preparation program or after completing such a program…

Although research on testwiseness has varied to a great extent in the aspects of testwiseness measured and the strategies used, some conclusions can nevertheless be drawn: testwiseness is a bona fide entity and deserves attention, it is measurable, it appears to be made up of a set of specific skills rather than a collection of some general…

Research indicates that when taking a standardized test that is not timed, students who have been coached to revise answers profit more from their changes than do those who receive no instruction at all. Some study skill books written for high school and college students give misleading advice not to change answers while some newer editions are…

This handbook presents an overview of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment and a description of the Writing Assessment. Districts are encouraged to use the procedures and methods described to create prompts and score writing samples as part of their district-level assessment program. After an introduction and overview of the Pennsylvania…

Reports on an experiment designed to identify positive variables in the essay writing of Black college students and to use the variables in a new writing course. Suggests that instruction in concepts, skills, and relationships, when combined with consideration of students' diagnosed needs, can result in writing improvement. (AOS)

A special preparation curriculum for the analytical section of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test was developed and administered to self-selected GRE candidates. Analyses revealed an effect that stemmed from improved performance on two of the three analytical item types formerly included in the analytical section. (Author/PN)

Two studies examined the extent to which test takers use plausibility as a method for locating correct responses when guessing and the extent to which scores can be improved by teaching test takers this approach. Results confirm that this aspect of multiple choice items merits further consideration by test constructors. (Author/BW)

In an attempt to reinforce the directive role of evidence in current arguments over test coaching, this chapter summarizes research findings from studies of coaching for the Scholastic Aptitude Test in the context of a conceptual analysis of the meaning and likely import of the coachability of such ability tests. (Author/BW)

Many states have limitations on the number of times a student may retake the bar exams, but a variety of preparatory techniques can increase chances of success: hypnosis, reduction of test anxiety, better studying techniques. (Journal availability: 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, $1.00.) (MSE)

Responding to allegations about the effect of coaching on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and its predictive validity ("Harvard Educational Review," May 1980), Jackson evaluates Slack and Porter's arguments and addresses the issues of the utility of SAT scores as admissions criteria and the alleged misrepresentation of negative…

Interviews with 60 grade 7 and 60 grade 10 teachers examined their testing practices in English, science, social studies, and mathematics. Results suggest that special education teachers need to teach adolescents with mild disabilities effective test-taking strategies and skills to enable them to cope in general education classrooms. Specific…

Reviews research on the effectiveness of teaching test-wiseness. Finds that minority group members, members of culturally different groups, special education students, and students at every educational level benefit from instruction in test-taking strategies. (RS)

Attitudes toward high-stakes testing and score enhancement strategies of 4 cohorts of preservice teachers (total n=268) were determined. Findings suggest that preservice teachers can make acceptable judgments about appropriateness for the extremes of score enhancement strategies but are less able to do so in the intermediate range of the continuum…

Examines techniques for generating positive test washback to teachers and students, and their relevance in the teaching of Italian as a second language. A sample Italian test is offered to demonstrate how the criteria for positive washback can be met in an exam that challenges students to develop all four language skills (listening, speaking,…

Examined are the effects of test-taking training given to Hispanic students on the reliability and predictive validity of a mathematics predictor test. The sample consisted of 535 entering Hispanic college students. Of these, 241 completed most of their education in the United States and had prior familiarity with multiple-choice tests, while 294…