Emphasis on the systematic evaluation of federally funded programs has steadily increased over the last several years. In response to this increased emphasis, a workshop was held in Eugene, Oregon, on April 12-14, 1977, to familiarize the directors and selected staff members from six Far West Teacher Corps Network projects with the program…

A team of technical experts should review the technical quality of proficiency examinations considered for assessing learning and granting college credit. The team should recommend approval or disapproval of the test; and if it is approved, recommend the level of test performance required in order to award credit. Information supplied by the test…

Describes the steps that a school district should follow in the first stages of implementing a minimum competency testing program: preparatory activities, defining the project, identifying existing tests, evaluating tests, developing a local test, and sharing knowledge. (Author)

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

Describes and evaluates the Test of Early Written Language (TEWL), an instrument resulting in percentile or standard scores that reflect children's writing development at ages three to seven. Warns that it fails to tap important concepts at the lower age ranges, and violates several principles of children's authentic writing experiences. (MM)

The paper looks at purposes of educational assessment of children with learning disabilities, assessment of the whole child, the plan for an assessment battery, the nuances of carrying out the assessment, and communication of the results to maximize appropriate follow up. Assessment purposes identified include screening, determining eligibility,…

This monograph focuses on rating scales and other similar instruments being used in applied rehabilitation settings. The first of two major sections presents a general discussion of rating scales and their use. Specifically, this section includes subparts dealing with (1) reasons for using rating instruments, (2) the types of rating scales, (3)…

This document is the second volume in a set of five Career Education Measurement Handbooks intended to help local education personnel in measurement and evaluation. This handbook is designed to provide descriptions of an assortment of measurement instruments currently being used to assess career education objectives. A brief introduction describes…

Discusses the necessity for the use of test score data in measuring school effectiveness. Outlines the types of tests best suited to particular schools. (MD)

Explores the three broad thrusts of literature curricula, noting that no test can cover all three. Discusses how the content and objectives of the literature curriculum can be specified and how test questions can be developed for the evaluation of literature comprehension. (HTH)

The major issues encountered by the testing staff of the Austin Independent School District when changing achievement tests were identified. The 1970 California Achievement Tests were replaced by the district with the 1978 Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The major tasks were selection of a new instrument and securing funds to purchase it. However,…

For people directly involved with vocational evaluation, rationale and guidelines are presented for developing individual evaluation plans (IEPs) to meet the needs of handicapped clients. Functions served by the IEP are discussed: (1) master plan of the purposes and objectives of an evaluation; (2) written record of the assessment techniques used,…

Describes a three-step plan is described that general and special educators can use to obtain assessment information from children with linguistically diverse backgrounds. The steps include identifying the assessment's purpose (which involves how students approach learning tasks, apply their knowledge, and attain final outcomes), knowing the child…

The innovators of a functional level testing program must make decisions in the context of situational factors. There are several decision points involving the important elements of a testing program. Establishing the need for functional level testing is the first decision to be made. A systematic examination of in-level test data will document…

Brief guidelines for the selection of norm referenced tests are offered. Four considerations in selecting an appropriate test are: (1) appropriateness of test content; (2) appropriateness of the norm group; (3) test reliability; and (4) ease of administration. (MH)