Some of the problems and hazards associated with the use of standardized reading test scores in the formation and reformation of ability groups for reading instruction are discussed. (Author)

Observations by parents of 11 Down's syndrome infants and observations by parent advisors on a criterion-referenced checklist were compared to observation by trained evaluators using the standardized Bayley Scales of Infant Development. (CL)

Initial results of the national Evaluation of Experiential Learning Project are extremely positive, showing high correlation among teachers' and students' positive perceptions of 20 outcome items. The overall research design will include project designed instruments, systematic observations, self reports, unobtrusive measures, theory, other…

Describes various data suggesting that certain groups of students can handle challenging college programs effectively. Discusses who these students are and how, if at all, their high school preparation differs from that of the college students who require remedial courses. (Author/MA)

The educational value of standardized tests and their fairness to racial and ethnic groups continue to be intensely debated issues that affect public policies. This article summarizes many of the prominent points of view and suggests a series of six policy alternatives as possible solutions to the controversies. (Editor/LBH)

"A questionnaire concerning the assessment techniques used to evaluate the intellectual level, achievement, and personality of Spanish-speaking children was sent to the directors of pupil personnel services in 16 cities in the United States. The most common tests used were given in English and were not designed for non-English speakers." (Author)

Although a constructivist approach to learning calls into question the adequacy of norm-referenced, multiple-choice tests, these tests will persist into the 21st century. This article describes a classroom-based study that helped collaboratively oriented fifth graders develop problem-solving strategies to select answers to test questions. This…

A study of six children (ages 3-9) with autism assessed whether manipulation of variables related to motivation and attention in children with autism would influence performance on standardized tests. Results found the children showed higher scores when conditions were modified to improve the likelihood of responding to test stimuli. (Author/CR)

The accuracy of statistics based on performance assessments that represent percentages of students reaching standards is explored using data from a large-scale performance assessment, the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program. Results with students in grades 3, 5, and 8 support the accuracy of pooling results to produce the statistics.…

Studies of the extent of standardized testing in U.S. schools in the early 1980s to 1990s were reviewed. All show the amount of systemwide testing to be less than two days per year. Methodological issues are explored, and the extent-of-testing estimates are updated to about 1995 through more recent research. (SLD)

Kentucky is reintroducing the norm-referenced, multiple-choice test. Students will be given both performance and multiple-choice tests, beginning in spring 1997. Kean believes this multiple-measures approach is a common-sense way to provide the measurement-driven accountability that most states require. Neill deplores multiple-choice testing and…

Examines research on high stakes testing and its relationship to student outcomes, presenting data from Massachusetts and North Carolina on state trends related to high stakes testing. Findings suggest that non-white, non-Asian students, and students with special needs and English language learners, are the groups most deeply affected by high…

Conflict over whether Dutch standardized tests and national standards are appropriate relates to goals ascribed to student evaluation (a measurement goal for selection decisions or a pedagogical goal to support learning). Interviews with Dutch secondary teachers who worked in a context that combined national standards in the final year with…

Examined the relationship between the quality of school, family, and community partnership programs and student performance on Maryland's state-mandated achievement tests. Data from 82 urban elementary schools indicated that the degree to which schools were working to overcome challenges to family and community involvement predicted higher…