Composite math and writing scores for 353 General Educational Development (GED) graduates who had successfully completed the GED test were analyzed. For those who had attended classes and received coaching, significant differences were found on the writing skills test but not on the math test or overall test scores. (SK)

Summarizes a study surveying 153 K-8 teachers to determine their attitudes about standardized achievement tests, tests' usefulness, perceptions of how others view them, and perceptions of how best to prepare students for them. Results indicate that teachers felt negatively about the tests, and many engaged in practices that threatened the tests'…

Studies beliefs that psychometricians have about learning through interviews with 50 school district testing directors. Disputes about legitimate test preparation and teaching to the test are explained by differing beliefs about learning and implicit learning theories. Discusses implications for testing practices. (SLD)

This article discusses how test preparation helps students with deafness to develop the skills required to do well on standardized reading tests by examining test-taking strategies and common language structures used in test items. Common errors made by students are listed and helpful remedial classes are discussed. (Contains four references.)…

Provides helpful guidelines for creating exams and grading. Three main questions are addressed: (1) If it is known what content is important, then why not tell the students?; (2) Should students compete against each other or compete against course content?; and (3) What is the best way to handle cheating? (SAH)

Parents are an essential component in their children's SAT success, says Starlett Craig, director of outreach and enrichment programs at Clemson University in South Carolina. Clemson is home to a successful two-week SAT summer camp, where students are immersed in workshops that prepare them for the exam. But whether a child goes to a SAT camp or…

It is commonly believed that highly subjective humans ultimately perform all testing and grading efforts and that all testing and grading is completely subjective. However, Quentin Durham argues that there is no such thing as objective testing or grading. With wit and clarity, "The Realities of Classroom Testing and Grading" suggests that all…

This 145-item bibliography of examination study guides is a major revision of an earlier edition published in 1989. There are 45 new entries and 23 deletions of older books. This bibliography is intended for undergraduate students preparing for examinations required for admission to graduate or professional schools and for college graduates…

Samples of classroom activities designed to provide practice in specific test-taking skills are provided for use by teachers in the New York City school system. This guide provides activities that aid children in following instructions, time management, use of separate answer sheets, answer choice, and scanning and skimming. Unacceptable teaching…

This guide to preparing for, and taking, examinations was designed for college students. The booklet recommends a series of techniques for proper preparation. These include making a semester, or quarter, study plan; and appropriate scheduling of study time and determination of a study area. Good review techniques involve planning a systematic…

The term "coaching" applies to a variety of types of test preparation programs which vary in length, instructional method, and content. Most research on the effectiveness of coaching has examined the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a measure of academic abilities used to predict college performance. This ERIC Digest reviews studies of…

In a microanalysis of the behaviors of examiners and handicapped children during videotaped testing sessions, handicapped students performed better with familiar examiners than with unfamiliar examiners. The children spoke significantly more often and longer when tested by familiar examiners who exercised more frequent and longer intervals of…

Test wiseness (TW) has been recognized as an important source of variance on standardized achievement tests, independent of content or random error. To help students develop the type of TW skills necessary for optimal performance on reading achievement tests (ie. time using, guessing strategies), a comprehensive TW skills instructional program…

This publication contains six booklets useful to classroom teachers in helping students acquire test-taking skills. These materials are designed to familiarize students with the mechanics involved in taking tests, and teachers with skills which relate to the wider year-long scope of the curriculum. This should minimize format-related problems,…

Describes a classroom guidance unit designed to assist middle school students in exploring their skills, habits, and attitudes related to taking examinations. By presenting appropriate test-taking habits and attitudes in a stimulating, group-oriented format, the unit offers an opportunity for students to acquire important academic skills.…