Test validity, coaching, the college admissions process, and achievement tests are discussed by the director of the Iowa Testing Programs. Data published on the SAT are examined. It is suggested that systematic instruction in problem-solving skills may improve not only test performance but also skills the test is designed to assess. (Author/MLW)

Presents a theoretical model that identifies the context in which students experience difficulties with complex multiple choice exams (MCE). Provides a structured approach that facilitates the development of critical thinking and metacognitive skills. Discusses a workshop in which participants reported increased knowledge concerning the process…

Reviews controversial results of Harvard University study on efficacy of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) coaching services and similar study done by Philadelphia Area Counselors in Independent Schools. Results showed average total score gain of only 15 points by participation in commercial SAT preparation course. Concludes that coaching services…

The role of practice tests in predictions about test performance on texts was investigated in 3 experiments with a total of 180 college students. Taking a similar practice test did not help students predict their test performance. Practice tests may help students learn information. (SLD)

This study found that, of 18 children with severe visual and multiple impairments assessed using the Acuity Card Procedure (originally developed for assessing the visual acuity of infants), 42 percent responded. A similar group received a simple instructional intervention prior to testing and that group's response rate was 85 percent. (Author/DB)

Describes alternative technology-based support services for at-risk students. Discusses at-risk students' academic needs and advantages of computer-aided instruction, interactive video, etc., in supporting learning. Profiles the use of technology-based modules at Florida State University to help students prepare for the College Level Academic…

Compared the effects of an examination preparation unit offered in small group counseling or classroom guidance formats on the performance of low-achieving and underachieving middle school students (n=77). Results indicated the intervention was generally ineffective. (ABL)

College faculty are placing increasing importance on writing across the curriculum and the use of essay tests. Freshman seminar courses provide an ideal opportunity to teach students to take essay tests successfully. This article describes 10 ways faculty can help students improve their writing skills. (Author/MLW)

Sixty-three preservice teachers were asked to respond to the idea of cheating while administering a standardized test to their students. Over half said they would cheat under certain conditions, such as benefit to the students or if the test was inappropriate. Cheating considered acceptable included giving hints, rewording items, and teaching to…

The stability of a 2-factor model proposed for the Gibb Experimental Test of Testwiseness was studied with 173 undergraduates. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that data fit the two-factor model and a simpler one-factor model. The Gibb test could be characterized as tapping a general testwiseness proficiency. (SLD)

To study the effect of direct test preparation on TOEIC gain scores, two samples of students (i.e., English majors and nonmajors) at a Japanese university were divided into three treatment groups: (1) TOEIC preparation, (2) business English, (3) general (four-skills) English. TOEIC preparatory materials were concluded to have little benefit to…

Accountability and performance incentive plans in education are compromised by goal distortion, gaming, and corruption. Education policy makers who design such plans have paid insufficient attention to similar experiences in other fields. This paper describes institutions in health care, job training and welfare administration, and in the private…

Patriot High School (PHS) adopted a remediation strategy to help its 10th-grade students at risk of failing the Math portion of MCAS, the state's end of year competency exam. The centerpiece of that strategy was a computer-based instructional (CBI) course. PHS used a commercially available CBI product to align the course content with the…

This paper presents the first evidence of the effects of school accountability systems on the long-term human capital development of high-performing, college-bound students. The results are mixed. On the one hand, the evidence is consistent that school accountability sanction threats are associated with changes in student study habits. Students…

The effects of student coaching in preparation for the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) on the predictive validity of this test for freshman year performance were studied using data on 1985 freshman year students from four colleges. After the validity of the SAT was estimated for each school, a given proportion of students was picked,…