Explores the ethical issues involved in using standardized tests to implement a state-level policy. Examines the fourth grade science program evaluation test administered in New York State for the first time in 1989. A utilitarian view of ethics ignores the consequences of testing for different constituents, obviates caring behavior, and damages…

Calculators are transforming mathematics instruction, freeing it from an arithmetic-driven curriculum. They have encouraged teachers to think more carefully about what is important to learn. Calculators should be used at all levels of instruction and on tests, including standardized exams. Meaningful educational reform depends on such a change.…

A study assessed the feasibility of sequential testing of medical students using standardized patients. Sequential testing passes students who score well on the first segment of the test thus eliminating additional student-standardized patient encounters. Subjects were six classes of Southern Illinois University students (n=404). Results strongly…

Presents the text of a speech to the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) on the state of assessment in science and mathematics education and the future direction of efforts in these areas. Argues for more collaboration between research and education. (DDR)

Examined the relationship between levels of technology implementation in the classroom and standardized test scores in reading and mathematics in grades four and five. Surveyed a sample of teachers using the Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTi) instrument to determine their personal level of technology implementation in their classroom.…

Evaluates a school-choice pilot program in New York City funded by the School Choice Scholarship Foundation. School-choice students in grades four and five achieved substantially higher scores in math and reading. Compares and evaluates school-choice programs in Milwaukee (Wisconsin), San Antonio (Texas), and Cleveland (Ohio) schools. (MMU)

Considers the ecological validity of tests in predicting the effects of speech and language impairment on communicative performance in real-world settings and the need for systematic observation of communicative behaviors, particularly of individuals from other cultures. Discusses whether standardized testing and systematic observation are…

Presents suggestions for classroom-assessment courses regarding (1) communicating assessment results by assigning grades; (2) communicating assessment results in other ways; and (3) communicating the results of standardized testing. Discusses course content in the context of the "Standards for Teacher Competence in the Assessment of…

Assesses whether second-level schools in Ireland are equally effective regarding examination performance, absenteeism, and potential dropouts, using multivariate analyses of data from 15- and 16-year-olds in 116 schools. Absenteeism and potential dropout rates are lower in schools that enhance pupils' academic progress. (Contains 22 references.)…

Discusses Educational Testing Service (ETS) findings that teachers matter most for student achievement. ETS used 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data to examine relationships between student achievement and teacher characteristics. This paper critiques the research, noting serious flaws in the study design, highlighting…

The Northwest Evaluation Association helped an Indiana school district develop a computerized adaptive testing system that was aligned with its curriculum and geared toward measuring individual student growth. Now the district can obtain such information from semester to semester and year to year, get immediate results, and test students on…

Because educators have unrealistic expectations about tests, they use them inappropriately and draw inaccurate conclusions from results. This article debunks five myths about test-score comparisons: valid measurement of school quality; declining international competitiveness; "fixing" schools with more tests; development of new, improved…

Paper introduces a collection of papers on educational assessment, noting controversies surrounding both old and new assessment methods, discussing the persistent set of technical issues that must be addressed by the research community in measurement, and examining work by the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student…

Reports a systematic national study of the implementation and effects of Core Knowledge Sequence, a list of curricular topics to teach in elementary grades. While Core Knowledge effects included increased curricular coordination, project-based instruction, and improved teacher's lives, students' basic skills standardized test scores were the same…

Argues that standardized testing encourages a standardized pedagogy in a nonstandard, diverse student population and is characterized by logical fallacies and procedural problems. Concludes that conventional tests create barriers to learning and educational policies with important consequences for children. Encourages early childhood teachers to…