This report outlines statewide results on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) for the 1998-1999 academic year. Also included are statewide data from the administration of the Spanish TAAS and the Algebra I, Biology, English II, and U.S. History end-of-course examinations. To allow a broader view of the assessment program's history,…

Computerized adaptive testing allows us to create a unique personalized test that matches the ability and knowledge of the test taker. (Author)

Outlines an oral interview format and scoring system for use with foreign language students during their first and second semesters of language study. (EKN)

Describes the modification of an already existing computer-assisted testing system at the University of Mississippi School of Health Related Professions to include test questions of the matching variety. (JJD)

Describes types of tests, types of student responses required, ways to interpret tests, and the major test developers. (WD)

Students' justifications for the three-item formats provided were compared. The study confirmed the usefulness of justifications as a diagnostic tool and offered recommendations regarding the use of justifications, including their use in the construction of two-tier items. (Author/CW)

An approach to testing medical students' clinical decision-making skills identifies key features (critical steps in resolution of a clinical problem) and presents a clinical case scenario followed by questions focusing on those key features. Key-feature problems provide flexibility on issues of question format, multiple responses to questions, and…

Describes how to construct questions to test all cognitive levels of learning for a course in introductory programming. The framework for learning is based on Bloom's taxonomy. Practical advice is given through examples and by describing a computer system to help deliver quizzes. Includes example questions. (Author/AEF)

I altered the format of an exercise physiology course from traditional lecture to emphasizing daily reading quizzes and group problem-solving activities. I used the SALGains evaluation to compare the two approaches and saw significant improvements in the evaluation ratings of students who were taught using the new format. Narrative responses…

This project extended the application of a model for development of semi-direct tests of oral proficiency, originally developed for Chinese, to a diverse set of less commonly taught languages spanning various language families and representing diverse cultural backgrounds. This second, final report covers development of tests for Hebrew, Hausa,…

Four methods of measuring students' comprehension of French literature are discussed. The first method involves traditional comparison of themes or characters. Themes may concern war, women, or love, for example. Characters may be compared from the same or a different era or genre. The second approach uses the association of the material being…

This report describes the sequence of activities that took place as the Examination Division of the New Jersey Department of Civil Service introduced a word processing system for a test item bank and for production of camera-ready test copy. The equipment selection, installation and orientation procedures are discussed. Keyboard and CRT terminals,…

Since acceptable writing is essential to success in job training programs and in many entry-level jobs, a writing sample was included in the Training and Employment Prerequisites Survey, a multiple-choice test about skills like mechanics, usage, and spelling. The two writing prompts asked students to give directions for finding a location in a…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of test generation programs. Includes setting up, printing exams and "bells and whistles." Reviews eight computer packages for Apple and IBM personal computers. Compares features, costs, and usage. (CW)

The Development of Teaching Competencies course was developed for an undergraduate teacher training program and covered strategies of teaching and learning; high level thinking and personal growth; and evaluation methods and examinations. The Eclectic Examination was developed for use concurrently as a student evaluation device and for a formative…