The Purdue Perceptual-Motor Survey, a standardized test of perceptual-motor ability, was administered to 98 disadvantaged rural 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Comparisons between the mean scores of the disadvantaged sample and the norm group, and within the group of disadvantaged children, were made on the basis of both the total test scores and…

Contrary to popular opinion, it is very difficult to find any objective evidence of culture bias that could account for social class and racial differences in performance on current standard tests of intelligence, even those like the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), which give the appearance of being highly culture-loaded. They may be…

A transition program at the American College of Life Underwriters which is moving into criterion-referenced measurement, but is also maintaining some of the desirable aspects of norm-referenced measurement, is discussed. Two programs that have moved into the criterion-referenced measurement area are the Cassette/Review Program of the Zimmerman…

THIS REPORT SUMMARIZES SOME OF THE COUNSELING PRACTICES EMPLOYED IN VARIOUS DEMONSTRATION CENTERS. STUDENTS WERE ASSISTED THROUGH INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING. IN ONE CENTER, SUCCESSFUL TEST INTERPRETATION INTERVIEWS RESULTED FROM A COMPARISON OF STUDENTS' ESTIMATED TEST RESULTS AND ACTUAL TEST RESULTS. STUDENTS LEARNED OF OCCUPATIONS THROUGH…

The Psychoeducational Profile (PEP) offers a developmental approach to the assessment of autistic and psychotic children as well as children with related learning disabilities. Scores obtained are used in the planning of individualized special educational programs for these children. Most appropriately used with children functioning at a preschool…

Provides guidelines for teachers writing machine-scored examinations. Explains the use of item analysis (discrimination index) to single test items that should be improved or eliminated. Discusses validity and reliability of classroom achievement tests in contrast to norm-referenced examinations. (JHZ)

This set of policy statements is intended to provide guidance to those who evaluate and select assessments, prepare students for those assessments, administer and score the tests, and interpret and use assessment results to make decisions about students and schools. The focus is on large-scale assessments that have consequences for students and…

This evaluation manual is a response to requests of education and training organizations for a practical methodology with tools to evaluate information and communications technology (ICT) projects and use of information and learning technologies in teaching and learning in Great Britain. Section 1 describes evaluation methodologies, the evaluation…

The Delaware Student Testing Program ties student achievement to the state's content standards that define the knowledge and skills Delaware students need to succeed beyond high school. This report presents information to help parents interpret their children's scores on the tests, which are given in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Section 1 introduces…

This pamphlet explains a child's Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) "Student Report for Parents/Guardians." In spring 1999, more than 210,000 students from grades 4, 8, and 10 in Massachusetts took the state's MCAS tests. All public students in grades 4, 8, and 10 are required to participate, and the Education Reform…

The relationship between 15 emotional indicators on the Bender Gestalt Test and the acting out behavior of 93 children, ages 5 to 12, as rated by their teachers, was investigated. Use of the Bender as a projective measure was seriously questioned. The ten-item behavioral rating scale is appended. (MH)

Discusses the design of oral assessment measures to test the language proficiency of incoming Hispanic students into community colleges. The article emphasizes that focusing on oral skills has helped nontraditional English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students realize that they can master English. (nine references) (Author/CK)

In 1987, a survey report by J. Cannell was published criticizing state reports based on national standardized testing of elementary school students that indicated that all 50 states were above the national average. This phenomenon--known as the "Lake Wobegon Effect"--is analyzed. Technical problems with the study are considered. (TJH)

Results of a 1987 report--indicating that elementary students of all 50 states were above the national average--were assessed via 2 national mail and telephone surveys. Although results of data for 35 states support the general findings of the 1987 report, it appears that more specific results are less sensational. (TJH)

Discusses research on teachers' perceptions about the use of student assessment in instruction and the extent to which teachers have received any preservice or inservice training in assessment. The article presents teachers' responses to a questionnaire requesting information on test use and assessment background. (SM)