This article describes the Scale for the Evaluation of Gifted Identification Instruments, developed for use by school decision makers. Development of the scale is reviewed in terms of five areas of assessment: validity, reliability, propriety, respondent appropriateness, and utility. Specific guidelines and cautions in using the scale are also…

Provides information concerning a procedure for estimating the probability of placement error on a criterion referenced multiple choice test. (TJ)

Higher elementary student scores on standardized tests do not mean educational improvement. Scores can be affected by teaching "to" the test, coaching on test taking, and skewed norms. Test scores have been declining at the secondary level. Included is a discussion of secondary tests. (MD)

Noting that four of the six most common readability formulas use the McCall-Crabbs Standard Test Lessons in Reading as the independent criterion of difficulty to establish validity, while the other two often site their correlation with the first four to determine validity, a study examined whether these lessons consisted of passage selections…

The concurrent validity of the Battelle Developmental Inventory was explored by correlating Battelle results with scores from the Bayley Scales in 30 infants with known or suspected disabilities. Both the pattern and strength of the obtained correlations support use of the Battelle to measure development in infants with handicaps. (Author/JDD)

The 15 components used for assessment in an introductory psychology course were examined to determine their relative value as predictors of overall performance. Multiple-choice tests were consistently found to be more effective than essay examinations, but arguments are presented for the retention of essays, with suggestions for their improvement.…

The United States Employment Service is now able to expand the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) coverage from approximately 400 jobs to all candidates for every job in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (over 12,000 occupations). In addition, employers can now receive more useful feedback on applicants. Instead of reporting whether a…

This report is intended to assist those agencies considering using California's Corrections Officer Examination as a tool for selecting personnel. It is intended to provide agencies with guidance in setting test cutoff scores rather than an exhaustive discussion of all of the factors that must be considered before setting cutoff scores for actual…

The 12 subtests of the Ball Aptitude Battery (BAB) listed in the administration manual were described. The reviewer believes this aptitude battery, designed for use with high school students and adults in job selection and placement, needs major improvements. It is suggested that the BAB be used solely for research purposes. (DWH)

Underlying concepts and current issues in communicative testing are described, and several promising approaches to developing communicative tests are outlined. It is suggested that appropriate testing is likely to have dramatic effects on the format and content of foreign language curricula and on student motivation because of increased relevance.…

This report is intended to assist those agencies considering using California's Probation Officer Examination as a tool for selecting personnel. It is intended to provide agencies with guidance in setting test cutoff scores rather than an exhaustive discussion of all of the factors that must be considered before setting cutoff scores for actual…

This paper provides an overview of standardized tests and a summary of important psychometric and test construction properties that educators must consider when they make critical evaluations of standardized tests. Sections of the paper concern: (1) basic characteristics of standardized tests; (2) differences between norm-referenced and…

Notes some of the conflicts between the use of hands-on science curricula and standardized testing. Discusses the state of testing and the state of science education with regard to the tests. Describes some promising developments in assessment in science education. (TW)

Information necessary for informed use by practitioners of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) tests is presented. Assessment instruments that (1) have as a basic assumption that thinking skills can be taught; (2) provide information that can be useful for instructional planning related to complex thought processes; and (3) have content that is…

This booklet provides information about the Juvenile Counselor Examination developed as part of the evaluation procedures for juvenile counselor candidates in the Standards and Training for Corrections program in California. The four sections of the booklet (1) review the nature and purpose of cutoff scores in general; (2) recommend and justify a…