The proposed taxonomy of tasks to be performed in an educational evaluation system encompasses tasks appropriate for evaluators, members of an evaluation unit, and members of facilitation and coordination units. The taxonomy classifies and specifies tasks for (1) developing a climate for evaluation; (2) selecting decision situations, selecting…

The survey of foreign language testing described in this paper resulted in the issuing of three handbooks and a special validation report, encompassing the results of research, consultation with professional committees, and significant position statements in four major areas of foreign language testing: placement of incoming students in foreign…

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…

Results of teacher ratings of test questions, performance of students, and analyses of achievement test scores indicate that the College Board Science Achievement Tests are now equally appropriate for students in both regular and special courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. (MS)

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…

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 major elements of a test interpretation model which would assist school personnel in presenting standardized test information to the public are presented. The model is a prototype based upon the testing program used in the Oakland, California Public Schools. An outline and sequence of the test score presentation are suggested, including notes…

An attempt was made to determine what factors relate to achievement in language arts, mathematics, and certain attitudes in an individualized programmed instruction school. A total of 87 fifth grade pupils were tested both in the Fall and Spring using the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Pennsylvania Questionnaire and the Stanford Achievement Test.…

This study investigates the question of test bias to develop an index of the appropriateness of a test to a particular socioeconomic or racial-ethnic group. Bias is defined as an item by race interaction in an analysis-of-variance design. The sample of 172 third graders at two integrated schools in a large California school district, included 26…

The general objective of a research program on adaptive testing was to identify several sources of potential error in test scores, and to study adaptive testing as a means for reducing these errors. Errors can result from the mismatch of item difficulty to the individual's ability; the psychological effects of testing and the test environment; the…

Procedures for developing curriculum-based measurement (CBM) systems are presented as an approach to special education problem solving. CBM procedures are discussed within the context of a decision-making matrix, focusing on "what" and "how" to measure and how to use data. An example applies the method to reading-aloud…

Describes development of a comprehensive computer literacy assessment battery for K-12 curriculum based on objectives of a curriculum implemented in the Worldwide Department of Defense Dependents Schools system. Test development and field test data are discussed and a correlational analysis which assists in interpretation of test results is…

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 strengths and weaknesses that characterize language tests and measures used with young school-aged children are reviewed. Suggestions are given to assist school psychologists in testing children formally and informally and in working in conjunction with speech-language pathologists. (SLD)

Describes the development of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Details revisions in the MMPI and then evaluates positive and negative features of these revisions in the light of construct validity and professional practice. Argues that many suggested refinements to the instrument are being actively investigated by its…