Based on a November 1990 seminar attended by tutors and development workers from Open College Network (OCN) accredited programs, this paper describes principles and practice of assessment in OCN programs in Britain. The first two sections provide information on the seminar and define assessment. Section 3 lists assessment procedures for…

This paper considers some practical concepts and ideas related to standardized test score improvement in general and specifically to the World Institute for Computer-Assisted Teaching (WICAT) Integrated Learning System (ILS) use. Previous research cited in this paper shows that, while teachers are the most important variable in ILS utilization,…

This manual from the Polk County Public Schools in Bartow, Florida, was developed for school personnel and parents to aid in their efforts to develop successful behavioral and academic interventions to enhance the educational outcomes for students. Section 1 describes the child study team which is comprised of an administrator, guidance counselor,…

A study sought to identify and examine key factors that influence adult basic education (ABE) mathematics instruction in Massachusetts and to develop a detailed picture of the adult basic math learning environment. Phase I involved a survey by questionnaire directed at the entire Massachusetts population of instructors and program directors…

Neosho Community College (NCC) in Kansas developed an assessment program to measure changes in student learning and progress in courses and programs. The specific objectives of student assessment at NCC are to determine readiness for regular college courses; to determine proper placement; to assist students in meeting personal objectives; and to…

Students' test scores are influenced by their subject matter knowledge, their physical and emotional health, and their skill in the mechanics of test taking. Designed for use in the Detroit (Michigan) Public Schools, this document focuses on improving skills in the mechanics of test taking. The first section overviews strategies for…

Based on the assumption that changes in the educational experience require changes in the evaluation of student learning, this fourth guidebook in a series of nine video conferences on school restructuring presents information on the evolution of student assessment. Four shifts in educational assessment are identified: from testing to multiple…

This preliminary report presents information about the first of four components of an assessment of social studies conducted in Manitoba (Canada) in June, 1989. The assessment was conducted at grades 4, 8, and 10. The four major components included: (1) a written or "pencil-and-paper" test for all three grade levels; (2) a survey of…

This grade 12 Diploma Examination for Alberta (Canada) Social Studies 30 booklet is divided in two parts. Part A consists of 70 multiple-choice questions worth 70 percent of the total score. Part B consists of the written response section worth 30 percent of the total. The student must choose one of two topics for the essay. The essay scores are…

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information about the Alberta (Canada) Grade 3 Social Studies Achievement Test. The Bulletin includes a general description of the Achievement Testing Program, a description of the Grade 3 Social Studies Achievement Test, an outline of the objectives to be tested, and the test blueprint. Student…

Problems in higher education were identified by a study group in a year-long study funded by the National Institute of Education. Problem areas included: college student attrition, declining test scores of graduate school applicants, an increasingly impersonal atmosphere on campuses and less involvement of students with academic life,…

Although there are many advantages to using computer-based tests (CBTs) linked to computer-based instruction (CBI), there are also several difficulties. In certain instructional settings, it is difficult to conduct psychometric analyses of test results. Several measurement issues surface when CBT programs are linked to CBI. Testing guidelines…

An ideal system of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), from the local school district perspective, must follow several principles based on the 1985 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing: (1) Testing must be viewed by teachers and students as worthwhile. (2) Test results must be presented in a timely and useful…

This handbook is designed to serve as a resource for Alaskan district-level administrators in charge of planning, implementing and monitoring districtwide student assessment programs. The information is divided into 10 chapters, including: (1) aligning assessment with curriculum and instruction; (2) planning an assessment program; (3)…