A model developed by G. Rasch that assumes scores on some attainment tests can be realizations of a Poisson process is explained and expanded by assuming a prior distribution, with fixed but unknown parameters, for the subject parameters. How additional between-subject and within-subject factors can be incorporated is discussed. (SLD)

The ability of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), average achievement test scores, and high school class rank to predict students' grades was examined for 3,816 undergraduate students entering the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) in 1983 and 1984. Results suggest that the SAT makes a relatively small contribution to prediction. (SLD)

Examines the world of integrated learning systems, focusing on research that explains their success and noting what needs to be done to make them more effective in elementary education. The article recommends creating a method to demonstrate their success or failure rate in improving scores on achievement tests. (SM)

A framework is provided for examining the validity of performance standards for high-stakes achievement tests. Assumptions that need to be evaluated are that the passing score corresponds to specified performance standards and that the specified standard is reasonable given the purpose of the decision. (SLD)

Describes the development of a history assessment test by Northeast Missouri State University (Kirksville) faculty. Discusses content, problems with design and cooperation, and theories of assessment testing. Includes sample questions demonstrating the cube plan, a technique that involves using a single question to measure three learning…

Raises questions about an industrial, competitive model of education in Alberta, Canada with the goal of being first on international achievement assessments. Suggests that global and societal benefits derive from an education that fosters the full development of the potential of all individuals, rather than the development of excellent…

To determine the accuracy of simulated data sets, an investigation was conducted of the effects of item sampling plans in the application of multiple matrix sampling using both simulated and empirical data sets. Although results were similar, empirical data results were more precise. (SLD)

The predictive validity of SEARCH and of academic achievement tests for identifying children at risk for reading problems was compared, with 668 kindergarten children. The use of various cutoff scores for SEARCH and the application of a 2-factor scoring system resulted in high rates of false negatives and false positives. (Author/JDD)

Combines item response theory (IRT) and statistical methods to analyze California Achievement Test-Mathematics (CAT-M) results for 4,135 seventh graders in northeast Ohio. Provides information to educational analysts about which IRT model fits CAT-M data for the target population, test accuracy in estimating students' abilities at different…

Hostility towards intelligence tests is based on perception that such instruments are decisive in placing ethnic and linguistic minority students in ineffective educational placements. It is imperative that discussions about intelligence and cognition be guided by the presupposition that there are certain cross-cultural skills all students must…

The usefulness of the 1992 TSA in reading was studied using interviews from 26 state directors of assessment. Perceptions about TSA credibility and orientation of test components and current use of TSA results were examined. The directors suggested involving more teachers in assessment, modifying descriptors, disseminating results quicker, and…

Analysis of a Chilean voucher system shows that public schools produce higher quality education (measured in achievement test scores), after controlling for school resources and type of student enrolled. Public schools achieve higher performance with disadvantaged children; private schools produce higher scores with advantaged students. Greater…

Reports research examining the relative effects of parental marital status and socioeconomic status (SES) on the educational achievement of African-American middle-grade students. Data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 show that at lower SES, African-American students from divorced households scored significantly higher on a…

Factors contributing to American students' declining scores on the TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) between grades 4 and 8 include textbook size and U.S. educators' traditional views of middle-school years. Bad data probably invalidate claims about the grade 8 to 12 decline. International reading scores favor Americans.…

Reviews the support for using both literature and response activities to teach history. Includes an annotated bibliography, with accompanying response activities, of trade books chosen to support the learning outcomes for Ohio's American Heritage Strand of the citizenship proficiency test. (CMK)