Formula scoring is designed to reduce multiple-choice test score irregularities due to guessing. It is inappropriate for most classroom testing, but may be desirable for speeded tests and difficult tests with low passing scores. An annotated bibliography and a Self-Test are provided. (SLD)

Normal Curve Equivalents (NCEs), a new score system for standardized tests, are used by school districts in reporting results to federal funding agencies. The author uses a quiz format to answer questions on the use of NCE scores. (EGS)

Misreadings of pencil answer marks on test answer sheets by optical scanners cause scoring errors. Twenty-six different pencils were tested for readability differences when optically scanned. Complete light and dark marks scanned perfectly for 18 pencils. Totals for all six mark types ranged from 947 to 1726 out of 1800. (BS)

The Joint Committee on Testing Practices has completed the "Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education," which is meant for the public and focuses on the proper use of tests in education--admissions, educational assessment and diagnosis, and student placement. The Code separately addresses test developers' and users' roles. (SLD)

A summary of the writing assessment programs reviewed in this journal is presented. The problems inherent in the programs are outlined. A coordinated research program on major problems in writing assessment is proposed as being beneficial and cost-effective. (DWH)

An instructional module is presented to promote a conceptual understanding of test form equating using traditional methods. Equating is distinguished from scaling. The equating methods described are: (1) mean; (2) linear; and (3) equipercentile. The module includes a self-test. (SLD)

Ways to use standard-setting data to adjust cutoff scores on examinations are reviewed. Ten sources of information to be used in determining standards are listed. The decision to modify passing scores should be based on these types of information and consideration of adverse impact or rating process irregularities. (SLD)

Possible sources of intrajudge inconsistency in standard setting are reviewed, and approaches are presented to improve the accuracy of rating. Procedures for providing judges with feedback through discussion or computerized communication are discussed. Monitoring and maintaining judges' consistency throughout the rating process are essential. (SLD)

Developmental standard score scales produce unrealistic expectations for growth of low-achieving students only if the low-achieving students are tested in an inappropriate way. Examples illustrate the unrealistic nature of such score scales when applied to the testing of learning disabled and Chapter One students. (SLD)

Issues concerning the selection of judges for standard setting are discussed. Determining the consistency of judges' recommendations, or their congruity with other expert recommendations, would help in selection. Enough judges must be chosen to allow estimation of recommendations by an entire population of judges. (SLD)

In comparing the annual growth of low-achieving students and high-achieving students who remain at the same percentile rank, educators must choose between the properties of developmental standard scores and grade equivalents. The growth patterns for grade equivalent scores may be more reasonable than those for standard score scales. (SLD)

In their discussion of problems related to identifying learning disabilities with individually administered achievement tests, Phillips and Clarizio incorrectly conclude that developmental standard score scales produce unrealistic expectations for the growth of low-achieving students. By definition, these scores state how much the norm group's…

The extent to which performance assessments can have unintended and undesirable consequences is not yet clear, but preliminary evidence suggests several issues of bias and fairness. Among these is the sheer difficulty of scoring complex performance assessments, as Vermont's experiences with portfolio assessment illustrate. (SLD)