A study examined the relationship between pharmacy graduates' scores on high school examinations at ages 16 and 18 and the complete pattern of university examination scores and concluded that the scores on advanced tests at age 18 could be useful for student selection and achievement prediction. (Author/MSE)

Reviews the 25-year record of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), highlighting criticisms of test design and validity, sampling techniques, standards, and usefulness of results. Provides the newly organized NAEP with guidelines for selecting input variables and specifies nine variables to be studied. A sidebar describes NAEP's…

Increased policymaking activity at the state level will increase the states' demands for relevant data to guide educational reform. This article presents a state assessment model serving three major purposes: (1) facilitating policy development; (2) mobilizing and sustaining political support for schools; and (3) improved educational quality.…

Applies a brief history of standard English usage in America to take issue with the College Board's pronouncements on basic academic competencies. Points out the underlying injustice to demand a mastery of standard English from students who, through no fault of their own, have had no chance to master it. (JK)

Examines the new state-mandated high school graduation tests emerging in response to perceived declines in educational standards. Indicates general consequences for implementing these tests, including public perceptions based on a "box score" mentality. As competency measures, the tests have had little impact on pupils, teachers,…

Analyzes eight leading basal reading programs to determine the types of writing included in each and the array of writing types used in three standardized reading tests included in the programs. (FL)

This study investigates the relationship between the length of the school year and student achievement on standardized tests. Achievement scores of students from two different school systems were analyzed. Comparisons showed that increasing the length of the school year would not produce marked change in test scored performance. (Author/JAZ)

A study of teacher attitudes toward and knowledge of computers polled 240 teachers enrolled in computer education classes at Arizona State University. Results revealed a positive correlation between attitude and knowledge level, with teachers indicating an appreciation for classroom computers and expressing interest in expanding their knowledge.…

Tips on improving student test scores fall into two categories: format training and environmental conditions. Environmental conditions include notifying parents of the test, emphasizing the importance of the test, and giving the test in familiar surroundings. Format training includes explaining multiple-choice options and answer sheets. (MLF)

Summarizes the findings from the report "Barriers to Excellence: Our Children at Risk," which shows that American education still fails low-income, minority, and learning disabled students. Presents recommendations for change. (MD)

The trend toward internal institutional assessment of physiotherapy students is discussed along with questions raised about the appropriateness of internal rather than standardized tests in determining professional competence for certification. (MSE)

Concludes that if students are provided with background information about topics included on the comprehension section of a standardized reading test, they will score higher on the test than will those not exposed to the information. (FL)

This study compared the validity of chronological age, a standardized algebra prognosis test, standardized verbal and quantitative scales derived from an achievement test battery, and an objective measure of formal or concrete stages of Piagetian cognitive development for predicting final examination scores and course grades in high school…

Argues that overreliance on standardized tests contributes to the deterioration of educational standards, teacher passivity, and lack of student involvement in academic studies, thus undermining democratic education; lists several alternatives to standardized testing. (MCG)

Describes a method using age equivalents and standard scores to recreate the full range of variability in the scores of high-functioning individuals. The method allows for a more complete interpretation of performance that can lead to better educational and therapeutic programing. (Author/ABB)