Examines significant changes in the assessment of adolescents who struggle with reading (beginning in the early 1900s with the beginning of test development and the problem of what to do with adolescents who were poor readers). Discusses the broader improvements in educational assessment in general. (SR)

Defines a cycle of assessment and action, and a continuum from formative to summative assessments. Illustrates problems caused when one assessment must serve both formative and summative functions. Argues that separating the collection of evidence from its interpretation, or the interpretation of evidence from consequent action, helps alleviate…

Examined the educational testing and measurement literacy of elementary and secondary teachers. Surveys of 95 teachers indicated that, overall, they did not have extensive knowledge about testing and measurement, though they regularly used the knowledge they had when assessing student progress. There were few differences between elementary and…

The reliability and validity of the Novaco Anger Scale (NAS) (R. Novaco, 1994) were studied with 204 male correctional offenders admitted for general or violent offenses. Results show the NAS to be an effective measure of anger in an offender population. Results also support the validity of a computerized version of the NAS. (SLD)

Outlines concerns that must be addressed by those who advocate replacing statistical hypothesis-testing with alternative data-analysis strategies. Suggests that commonly recommended alternatives are not perfect and that various hypothesis-testing modifications can be implemented to make the process and its conclusions more credible. Hypothesis…

Surveyed 364 members of the Society for Personality Assessment to determine how they use computer-based test interpretation software (CBTI) in their work, and their perspectives on the ethics of using CBTI. Psychologists commonly use CBTI for test scoring, but not to formulate a case or as an alternative to a written report. (SLD)

Former California Governor Pete Wilson's "social promotion" package, requiring districts to adopt new promotion policies based on state-mandated test results, is misguided. All retention or promotion decisions should be supported by multiple forms of evidence. Test scores should be buttressed by other information, such as grades and…

Examines three elementary teachers' conceptions about mathematics assessment in the context of their practice. Teachers' beliefs are shaped by externally defined functions and purposes of assessment; what teachers perceive as the official school curriculum and their position with regard to subject matter; and how they understand learning and…

Presents a procedure for standard setting that involves the cluster analysis of test takers to discover examinee groups that are useful for envisioning marginally competent performance or defining borderline or contrasting groups. Illustrates use of the procedure with a statewide mathematics test, and concludes that cluster analysis is useful in…

Discussion of performance assessments that test for higher-order thinking and problem solving focuses on research by the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) that assessed student problem solving using networked computers and the Web, where both performance and process data could be reported back to…

Considers the nature of distance education and presents specific ways in which computers and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can be used effectively. Topics include costs; and designing curricula for CALL distance learners, including testing, appropriate training, student attitudes, and learning dynamics. Contains 32 references. (LRW)

Philosophers' attempts to convincingly explicate the received view of an ad hoc hypothesis--that it accounts for only the observations it was designed to account for--have been unsuccessful. Familiar and firmer criteria for evaluating the hypotheses or modified theories so classified are characteristically available. Contains 41 references.…

Discusses two criticisms raised by L. Hayduk and D. Glaser of the most commonly used point estimate of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSEA) and points out misconceptions in their discussion. Although there are apparent flaws in their arguments, the RMSEA is open to question for several other reasons. (SLD)

Nurses' ability to think critically in clinical situations cannot be assessed by multiple-choice tests. Context-dependent test items that assess critical thinking are useful for orientation of new staff, competency testing, and clinical staff development. (SK)

Computers are being used to conduct large-scale graduate placement tests, professional certification exams, vocational interest and aptitude assessments, workplace skills tests, and even classroom quizzes. Although convenient and easier to administer, computer tests are expensive and could discriminate against those with less computer literacy.…