Discusses gender differences apparent in British public examination entry patterns and outcomes. Questions whether examinations should be designed for equal outcomes and the assumption that assessment techniques may differentially affect performances of males and females. Argues that because other factors such as different experiences and…

The second approach used by L. V. Hedges and L. Friedman (1993) in their reanalysis of Feingold's earlier results is conceptually equivalent and yields results consistent with the original interpretation. The first method yields results that are discrepant. Analyses of variations in tail effect sizes are planned. (SLD)

Feingold's reply illustrates that his steps in characterizing tail effect sizes are not the calculations the authors had imagined. Attempting to reproduce Feingold's calculations, the authors still often find themselves in disagreement with interpretations Feingold has placed in his table. (SLD)

National testing does not produce better education in other countries or spur students to do better work, and it creates barriers for poor and minority students. The paper recommends creating programs to help states and districts develop new ways to evaluate student learning as part of overhauling education. (SM)

The controversial oral English Bagrut examination is seen as a means to prepare students for their written Bagrut exam, specifically to encourage the active use of the English language. (LB)

The emergence of computerized adaptive tests (CATs), which customize assessment for each individual, may mean more efficient testing. A CAT version of the Graduate Record Examination is in production. Critics have many questions about the technique, which is based on item response theory. (MSE)

A survey of 12 constituencies (totaling 2,288 respondents) concerning the National Board of Medical Examiners' (NBME) comprehensive Part I and Part II examinations revealed support for more even distribution of fail rates across examinations, support for a fixed standard, and favorable reaction to setting standards based on review of examination…

The relationship of retest effects from pretest to posttest 2 to 4 weeks later was studied for 2,014 elementary school children (second through sixth graders) taking a battery of 26 multifactor aptitude tests--the Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities Test. Implications of score gains are discussed for age and gender groups. (SLD)

Reports a survey of Arizona teachers and administrators on (1) the extent to which teachers believe that standardized achievement tests reflect the language arts curriculum; (2) student reactions to standardized tests across grade levels; and (3) perceptions of the fairness of such tests across ethnicities and socioeconomic areas. Finds that…

Four educators respond to the article in this issue which suggests that statistical data do not support a link between student achievement and staff development. The responses revisit the research used in the original article, suggesting that the link exists and discussing how future research could be improved. (SM)

Examines the desirability of standardized testing during early childhood education. The paper raises questions concerning the dangers of testing at too early an age. It is recommended that measures and procedures for developmentally appropriate assessment be developed to avoid unnecessary punishment of young children. (GLR)

Describes a Camden (New Jersey) study that assessed the effects of student mobility and stability on achievement and examined interactions between the instructional program and student mobility. Results indicated direct instruction was as effective as traditional instruction that was aligned with a specific standardized test, and it produced…

Describes testability of language-minority students as likelihood of language-minority students meeting five test assumptions necessary for valid scores. Discusses strategies for ensuring and enhancing testability. Explains how state departments of education and school districts use two sets of criteria to exempt language-minority students from…

Demands for a differentiated curriculum for gifted students raise implementation and evaluation issues. One approach is to change both content and learned thinking strategies. There are four methods of content differentiation: acceleration, enrichment, sophistication, and novelty. To determine a program's effectiveness, there must be evidence of…

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…