Basic rules of test construction are detailed to provide teachers with ways to improve the validity and reliability of teacher-made tests and worksheets. Designing the test, writing the items, and scoring the test are each discussed. The critical need for good instruments is promoted. (MP)

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) was administered to (N=72) elementary school children. Compared three methods of pretest rapport establishment for each of two age groups. Results found no significant differences on WISC-R scores as a result of the interaction of age and familiarity conditions. (Author)

Responds to the Nader report on the Educational Testing Service authored by Nairn. Major themes of the nine chapters of the report are addressed. The last sections provide comment on the responses of the Educational Testing Service. (RC)

Although agreeing that the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) has an important purpose, the author questions some perceived weaknesses: test validity; medical model measures; sociocultural scales; estimated learning potential (ELP); and the incompleteness of SOMPA manauls for use in evaluating the system. (See also TM 504 174).…

Presents a state-of-the-art review of educational testing problems and programs with regard to determining the political knowledge of students in elementary and secondary schools. Concentrates on examining and critically reviewing test instruments. (Author/DB)

Three major limiting factors are outlined: the lack of appropriate psychological tests, the dearth of properly trained psychologists, and the failure to obtain complete case histories. Several methods of overcoming these drawbacks are described. (Author/DLS)

The effect of testing format on achievement was investigated. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences between any of the four formats used. (MK)

The advantages of interim tests in an undergraduate psychology course for diagnostic purposes are described. A discussion of assigning relative weight to interim test performance as compared with final examination performance is presented. (Author/DB)

Describes a three-phase process model for interface design, drawing on practices developed in the software industry and adapting them for computer-based languages tests. Describes good practice in initial design, emphasizes the importance of usability testing, and argues that only through following a principled approach to interface design can the…

Calculated year-1 to year-2 stability of assessment data from 21 states and 2 Canadian provinces. The median stability coefficient was 0.78 in mathematics and reading, and lower in writing. A stability coefficient of 0.80 is recommended as the standard for large-scale assessments of student performance. (SLD)

Describes Florida's efforts at instituting statewide item banking and testing program in vocational education. Discusses rationale for statewide testing program and item banking procedure as well as development and coding of items, dissemination of item bank to school districts, and development of statewide test. Outlines problems encountered,…

An approach to scoring reading comprehension based on the concept of the testlet is described, using models developed for items in multiple categories. The model is illustrated using data from 3,866 examinees. Application of testlet scoring to multiple category models developed for individual items is discussed. (SLD)

Discusses student cheating on examinations and research/term paper assignments. Offers methods and techniques to prevent or minimize cheating. (SR)

A solution is offered to problems associated with the inequality in the manipulability of probabilities of classification errors of masters versus nonmasters, based on competency test results. Eschewing the typical arbitrary establishment of observed-score standards below 100 percent, the solution incorporates a self-correction of wrong answers.…

Discussion of computer-assisted psychological evaluation focuses on its use as legal evidence. Topics discussed include legal criteria for expertise; clinical psychology and standards for expertise; factors relating to reliability and validity, including the proper use of data; computerized test administration; computer-based test interpretation;…