This paper presents an introduction to the use of latent trait models for the estimation of domain scores. It was shown that these models provided an advantage over classical test theory and binomial error models in that unbiased estimates of true domain scores could be obtained even when items were not randomly selected from a universe of items.…

This journal issue addresses the topic of mastery learning at both the elementary and secondary school levels. The first article, "The Theory and Practice of Mastery Learning" (Guskey), gives a definition of and information about the development, operation, and application of mastery learning, based on the theories of Benjamin Bloom. In…

Principles of sound educational assessment are discussed, along with current assessment issues and appropriate roles of colleges and the state in developing and implementing assessment systems. Assessment practice in New Jersey is considered. Principles of good assessment include: assessment should serve, not dictate, educational purposes; forms…

This report summarizes test results for the objective portion of the 1983 New Mexico High School Proficiency Examination (NMHSPE) in the Albuquerque Public School district. The NMHSPE assesses the mastery of skills and knowledge specified in the New Mexico Basic Skills Plan. A basic skill is the ability to apply one of five designated skills…

Sample class profile record sheets, student profile record sheets, and diagnostic and mastery tests are included for level 4 of the Mountain View School District Bilingual Diagnostic-Prescriptive Mathematics Program. (MN)

Sample class profile record sheets, student profile record sheets, and diagnostic and mastery tests are included for level 5 of the Mountain View School District Bilingual Diagnostic-Prescriptive Mathematics Program. (MN)

Sample class profile record sheets and diagnostic and mastery tests are included for level 6 of the Mountain View School District Bilingual Diagnostic-Prescriptive Mathematics Program. (MN)

Sample class profile record sheets, student profile record sheets, and diagnostic and mastery tests are included for level 7 of the Mountain View School District Bilingual Diagnostic-Prescriptive Mathematics Program. (MN)

Sample class profile record sheets, student profile record sheets, and diagnostic and mastery tests are included for level 8 of the Mountain View School District Bilingual Diagnostic-Prescriptive Mathematics Program. (MN)

The results of two surveys of students who took the California High School Proficiency Examination are presented, with emphasis on the similarities and differences between passing students and failing students. Major concerns included: the students' reasons for taking the test, sources of information for the students about the test, what changes…

Designed to serve as an introductory manual to mastery testing in science, this guide provides basic information about a variety of related topics such as mastery learning, criterion-referenced and norm-referenced testing, how to develop a mastery test, when and how to use a mastery test, limitations of mastery tests, and a list of mastery tests…

The effects of specific testing procedures on learning were studied, using the chunking method of teaching and studying, which involves the learning of small units of information. The size of the unit is related to the student's cognitive processing capacity (CPC)--the amount of material recalled after a brief exposure. Subjects were undergraduate…

Alternative mathematical models for scoring and decision making with criterion referenced tests are described, especially as they concern appropriate test length and methods of establishing statistically valid cutting scores. Several of these approaches are reviewed and compared on formal-analytic and empirical grounds: (1) Block's approach to…

Various procedures and guidelines have been suggested for the development and construction of criterion-referenced tests. The present paper proposes a comprehensive model which allows the user to identify and relate specific components which affect the optimal construction and implementation strategies of criterion-referenced tests. Furthermore,…

Coursework-mastery test scores for all middle school students in a school district were used to test the narrowly meritocratic hypothesis that course-grade differentials for gender, ethnicity, and poverty groups can be accounted for by the differential coursework mastery of these groups. Samples ranged from 1,124 to 8,381 seventh graders and…