Provides guidelines for teachers writing machine-scored examinations. Explains the use of item analysis (discrimination index) to single test items that should be improved or eliminated. Discusses validity and reliability of classroom achievement tests in contrast to norm-referenced examinations. (JHZ)

Urges that the impact of race on achievement motivation be reinvestigated, especially the tendency for ethnocentric beliefs in this area to lead to a culture-specific definition. Reviews the literature on comparative studies of Black and White motivation and suggests new research directions. (RDN)

A team of faculty from both Stark State College of Technology (SSCT) and the Canton City Schools (CCS) reviewed their respective curricula opposite the Ohio Academic Content Standards, assisted by a crosswalk indicating which of those standards were measured by COMPASS/ESL a widely used college placement test. This study found that the skills…

This study investigated the interactive effects between students' opportunity to learn (OTL) in the classroom, two language-related testing accommodations, and English language learner (ELL) students and other students of varying language proficiency, and how these variables impact mathematics performance. Hierarchical linear modeling was employed…

Under Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act ([NCLB], 2001b) every state needs to show linkage between state content standards and state English language development (ELD) standards as input to the development of state English proficiency tests. This paper argues that Title III presents a unique opportunity to explore how different content…

This report draws on an in-depth analysis of previously unpublished data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to gauge progress in mathematics toward the goal set following the Education Summit in Charlottesville, VA in September, 1989. The goal of the summit was to have students demonstrate knowledge in challenging subject…

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) conducted an analysis of recent academic data collected from 24 KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) schools on behalf of the KIPP Foundation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these data to determine whether KIPP schools have had a positive impact on the student learning of 5th-grade students as…

In 1992, the U.S. Department of Education, through its National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), surveyed the mathematics performance of approximately 250,000 students through two comprehensive surveys: (1) the National Assessment and (2) Trial State Assessment. The National assessment surveyed approximately 26,000 fourth, eighth, and…

Eighth-grade students in New Jersey take the Early Warning Test (EWT), which involves reading, writing, and mathematics. Students with EWT scores below the state level of competency take a remedial mathematics course that provides students with computer-assisted instruction (2 days per week) as well as regular classroom instruction (3 days per…

A survey was completed by 30 administrators in Northwest Ohio who were in charge of the administration and remediation for the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Tests for their respective schools. On a scale of 0 to 5 (0 signifying not at all and 5 signifying great extent), the respondents were asked to rate 20 different intervention and remediation…

In this study, FairTest evaluated how well state assessment practices live up to the promise of high standards without standardization. The practices of states were measured against standards derived from the "Principles and Indicators for Student Assessment Systems," a 1995 publication of education and civil rights groups working…

FairTest evaluated how well state assessment practices live up to the promise of high standards without standardization. The practices of states were measured against standards derived from the "Principles and Indicators for Student Assessment Systems," a 1995 publication of education and civil rights groups working through the National…

Student performance in grade 3 was evaluated based on instructional practices, classroom materials, and computer use in grades 1 and 3. This longitudinal study of primary education in Texas was initiated during the 1995-1996 school year when data were collected from first-grade teachers. Teachers provided information not only on teaching practices…

This report provides an analysis and discussion of the participation and performance of eighth-grade students with disabilities on the 1996, 1997, and 1998 Minnesota Basic Standards Tests in Reading and Math. The data show significant increases in participation of students with and without disabilities. In particular, participation of students…

The Delaware Student Testing Program ties student achievement to the state's content standards that define the knowledge and skills Delaware students need to succeed beyond high school. This report presents information to help parents interpret their children's scores on the tests, which are given in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Section 1 introduces…