The volume of test-norms and expectancy tables is intended as a tool for counselors in counseling individuals. The work contains a chapter on test interpretation to assist the counselor in relating individual test scores to other information about the individual. In the Minnesota Norms section of the tables, there are no data at the elementary…

Problems concerning the misuse of tests by teachers and administrators are discussed. Two common misconceptions of the basic function of tests are: (1) the test as an incentive for study; and (2) the test as a learning experience. Rather, a test should be conceived of as a measuring instrument. More appropriate conceptions of tests are: (1) tests…

The expanded need for medical laboratory workers necessitates the recruitment of new personnel, and even more important, better utilization of present personnel. The development of a career ladder for laboratory workers would facilitate advancement as it would allow upward mobility for workers who could demonstrate knowledge and ability equivalent…

This issue of the IRCD Bulletin comprises Part I of the Report of the Commission on Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board, and a review of the recommendations made by the Commission. The Commission addressed itself to the question, "What can schools do to increase the readiness of students for further education, and what can colleges do…

The ways in which current studies in sociolinguistics relate to the field of speech pathology are discussed, with particular focus on the role of sociolinguistics in standardized testing. The content validity and criterion-related validity of standardized tests is considered. Disproportionate distribution of scores for particular cultural groups…

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to (1) assess the need for career mobility within the nursing program at Delaware County Community College (Pennsylvania); (2) demonstrate the range of complexity in nursing situations which require diversified educational programs; and (3) propose a model to assess the skills and knowledge of…

This study evaluated student preparation for a course in calculus for business, management, and social sciences as a prerequisite for success in probability theory. The study included a review of the literature, development of an assessment instrument and cut-off scores, and review and validation of the study criteria, the assessment instrument,…

The results of a survey of 14 Minnesota school districts on the participation of students with disabilities in the Basic Standards Exams are examined in this report. Findings indicate that all 14 districts had at least 50 percent of all eligible students with disabilities participate in the April 1996 testing cycle. Ten districts indicated they…

Undergraduate students were administered one of three conventional or one of three stratified adaptive vocabulary tests with or without knowledge of results. Results indicated that knowledge of results and test difficulty affected performance. (Author/JKS)

The administration of intelligence tests to various sociocultural groups is defended against charges that intelligence tests are discriminatory (TM 504 174). The author states that research has shown that intelligence tests are nondiscriminatory and comply with federal law, specifically Public Law 94-142. (MH)

Three student feedback instruments--a group associative inventory and semantic differential and Likert-type rating scales--assessed 229 sixth-grade and 174 junior high school Israeli students' perspectives concerning classroom testing. The instruments assessed salient meaning components of tests, group differences via evaluation of semantic…

Development of educational testing in Hungary is reviewed regarding recent political and social changes. Relatively few areas in the educational system use tests regularly. The current political climate is expected to bring new standardized tests. A national core curriculum is planned with more autonomy for local-level and school-level decisions.…

Findings are summarized from a comparative analysis of education-examination practices in selected European and Asian countries. The review of testing practices in other countries reveals that these practices are in transition in most countries. A central lesson is that changing teaching can lead to changes in testing. (SLD)

Reviews educational research on social class, gender, and ethnic bias. Argues that constructing assessment instruments is a complex task, involving social and political assumptions as well as technical expertise. Calls for additional research on the impact of assessment on self-esteem and other issues related to test bias. (CFR)

Heightened demand for testing is seen as a function of public skepticism regarding the quality of public education. Discusses developments and trends in the following areas: (1) minimum competency testing versus higher order skills testing; (2) kindergarten and first grade readiness testing; (3) portfolio-based assessment; and (4) teacher…