The reading of English placement essays has become the high spots of the semester for faculty at Long Beach City College. A grant to evaluate an English placement test by the Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education is discussed from the viewpoint of the dean, a faculty member, and a consultant. (MLW)

Described is a study which was designed to investigate the effects of two evaluation methods on the learning process in mathematics courses. States that in one method students were given daily tests; the second method relied on weekly tests. No significant differences were noted; however certain trends were apparent. (RT)

Future trends in high school basic skills testing programs are discussed. Topics include subject area testing, national comparison testing, test security concerns, and technology's impact. The future is likely to bring more testing, rather than less, but there will be significant changes in the ways tests are implemented. (SLD)

Examines the information French and English speaking teachers use when programing for learning disabled students. Finds that French teachers rely more on problematic intelligence tests, that perceptual skills are influential in placing moderate-needs children, and that both groups use medical history, sibling performance, academic functioning, and…

Describes a study of basic skills testing in mathematics and reading. Examines the relationships between mathematics course performance and class standing, gender, age, transfer status, and math Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT) scores; and reading course performance and verbal SAT, Nelson Denny Reading Test, and Degrees of Reading Power Test…

Two analyses are provided to demonstrate that the population of students with learning disabilities is distinct from the population of low-achievers. Reasons for different interpretations of Bob Algozzine and colleagues' research are suggested. Assumptions surrounding the reality of learning disability are explored, as are differing perceptions…

Examines changing population demographics in the United States, including shifting student demographic projections, and discusses student-testing issues resulting from these changes. The article reviews the historical context of testing ethnic students, testing special-education students, regulatory issues surrounding the testing of ethnic pupils,…

Reports results of a study that compared the measurement competencies in student assessment of teachers, counselors, and school administrators. Draws implications for pre- and inservice training for professionals in education. (LKS)

Six prominent educators discuss barriers to achieving quality authentic assessment and the feasibility of implementing authentic assessment on a national basis. Points out the importance of using multiple assessments, the lack of a definition of authentic assessment, problems in developing quality assessments, and the immense cost of implementing…

Reports on a study of the mathematical needs of engineering apprentices in the United Kingdom. Finds that mathematical skills learned in general education programs do not meet requirements of the engineering profession. Recommends changes in mathematics education. (CFR)

Describes a case study to determine whether performance tests are a feasible alternative to multiple-choice tests. Examines the difficulties of administering and scoring performance assessments. Explains that the study employed three performance tests and one multiple-choice test. Concludes that performance test administration and scoring was no…

Examines the uniformity of the nationally defined syllabuses and examinations in the French educational system. Describes the dynamism of the system within the secondary sector. Discusses the various schools types within the system. Addresses problems with the testing system such as overcomprehensiveness, waste of resources, and heavy preparatory…

The growth of educational testing in the Netherlands is reviewed, and the way tests are used in elementary and secondary education is described. Educational testing in the Netherlands has been strongly connected to the existence of the National Institute for Educational Measurement (CITO). (SLD)

Reviews alternative assessment practices in several nations and questions whether these techniques should be used in the United States. Focuses on moderation, a technique in which trained evaluators adjust grades to ensure equitable distribution among participating schools. Concludes that evaluation in art education presents special problems and…

Provides information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). States that the overview of 1997 NAEP Arts Assessment results is disappointing within music education. Discusses the National Council for Education Statistics summary data tables. Presents three issues related to interpreting the tables and issues involved in secondary…