Characteristics which should be considered in reviewing any standardized reading test include validity, reliability, standardization sample, areas assessed by the test, type of response required by the child, individual versus group administration, time needed for administration, availability of equivalent forms, scoring options available,…

Possible misinterpretation of grade equivalents to measure the growth and the placing students is the subject of this research. The findings suggest the use of standard scores as the most appropriate method to measure change. (MFD)

Analysis of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, grade point averages, graduate credits earned, and academic majors of 376 international graduate students indicate that TOEFL scores are not effective predictors of academic success. Significant correlation was seen between TOEFL scores and graduate credits earned. (Author/CB)

Stanford Achievement Test scores of 1,434 elementary-level students already placed in either regular or special education programs were arranged according to four cutoff points: 20th, 15th, 10th, and 5th percentiles. This identification method, setting the cutoff at the 5 percent level, is proposed as a preliminary screening device for special…

Defining test scores as educational standards that should be raised causes more minority children to be retained. This lowers self-esteem and increases dropout rates. In some ways state regulations are intruding on local authority. Districts differ and therefore should have autonomy to set standards for achievement and teacher qualifications. (VM)

Examines misclassification of Native Canadian students' abilities with standardized intelligence test results. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (particularly verbal scale) results often reflect extent of acculturation, not personal capabilities. Paper indicates areas of needed research to find more appropriate ways of assessing…

Assessment has at two purposes--to improve teaching and learning and to promote greater external accountability. Determining an appropriate assessment approach depends on clear knowledge of what is intended, solid research about available instruments and about the experiences of other institutions, and a diagnosis of the local organizational and…

Presents the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) position statement and administrative and teacher guidelines on the selection, use, and interpretation of standardized tests in the testing of young children (ages three to eight years). (BB)

Aspects of practical assessment such as question design and management of the assessment are discussed. Reference is made to some of the problems and to the possibilities for innovation as a result of implementing practical assessment of the kind required by the General Certificate of Secondary Education examining groups. (CW)

The use of standardized achievement tests as the primary criterion measures in the evaluation of basic skills programs has been criticized. In a comparative study of three types of tests, this article examines the major issue behind this criticism. (Author/JAZ)

Grades given by primary school teachers were found to reflect classroom-specific achievement more than widely valued achievement measured by standardized test scores. The strongest determinant of grading, however, was found to be the effect that a grade in one subject has on the grade in a second subject. (Author/RM)

Examines Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Analytical Ability Test as admissions factor for master's degree in library and information science. Correlations of GRE General (Aptitude) Test scores and grade point averages for graduates and denied applicants of University of Illinois master of library science degree program are included. (7…

At the request of governing boards and legislatures, increasing numbers of state colleges and universities are using "value-added" tests and surveys to measure student learning in college. The measures compare academic achievement and student analytical skills before and after certain periods of college study, usually using standardized…

Describes an investigation which assessed predictive value of Iowa Test of Educational Development, Science Research Associates Inc.'s Computer Programming Aptitude Battery, and Wolfe Programming Aptitude Test for predicting secondary school students' success in computer science courses, to develop a prediction model, and to estimate mastery…

This reaction paper stresses the importance of matching the qualitatively different types of educational decisions with appropriate types of tests. Reading instruction is used to illustrate that while standardized tests are helpful for student classification and program accountability, they are hazardous to instructional process decisions which…