Standardized testing is an external control mechanism for K-12 public schools. Principals, nested between internal and external influences, must manage the tension created by testing's roles as both an internal improvement tool and as an external control mechanism. Five competing narratives, each shaped by author academic background, significantly…

Although increased attention to testing has resulted in improved guidelines for measuring skills and interpreting test results, educators are confused about certain testing problems and appropriate ameliorative strategies. Changing from multiple-choice formats to authentic performances will not reform education. Highly valuable outcomes such as…

Unless the characteristics of the units accompanying measurements are known, little legitimate evaluation can occur. Educators cannot assume their measurements are valid bases for evaluative statements unless higher level techniques (such as interval and ratio scales) have been employed. Misinterpretation arises from assuming that measurements…

Essay tests are easily constructed, relatively valid assessments of higher cognitive processes but are harder to score reliably. Teachers using essay tests are advised to follow clearly designed objectives, construct all-inclusive, pilot-tested questions, develop a checklist of specific scoring points and a model answer for each question, and use…

Reviews a dozen basic questions about passing scores on state-mandated competency testing programs for students, teachers, administrators, and other education personnel. Condemns the "cardiac" approach (or traditonal 80 percent standard) in favor of procedures that systematically incorporate judgment with a variety of performance data.…

Outlines some practical procedures for assessing test quality. Tests are relevant when learning outcomes have been correctly defined, when test content is aligned with instructional objectives, and when test and instructional formats are similar. Reliable tests follow administration, scoring, and interpretation procedures and consider difficulty…

The "high stakes" environment surrounding student performance on standardized achievement tests has pressured educators to improve test scores--in both appropriate and inappropriate ways. Convened to examine such testing practices, a National Council on Measurement in Education developed guidelines for managing ethical, instructional,…

The issue of test utility in measuring what students actually know has stimulated movement toward alternative, more authentic (and expensive) assessment approaches. Norm-referenced and authentic tests can complement each other, if educators build on youngsters' existing skills. The District of Columbia Public Schools' D.C. 2000 project stresses…

Examines and rejects nine reasons given by educators for opposing externally designed tests. Suggests a tenth, unvoiced reason that may be the most valid: that testing may reveal deficiencies in the school's educational program. (PGD)

Whenever performance assessment has been introduced into statewide testing programs, various potentially paralyzing difficulties have been encountered surrounding test accuracy, reliability, validity, or suitability. Programs in some states have been discontinued or placed in jeopardy. It is uncertain whether educators can overcome these problems…

Presuming that test scores can accurately reflect educational quality is naive and potentially dangerous. Sophisticated statistical procedures cannot fully separate the effects of confounding background variables (ethnicity, language proficiency, or poverty) from test scores. A broad-based assessment model relying on multiple indices and…

A recent study analyzing 6,942 items from the Stanford achievement batteries determined that few general cognitive operations were included in the items analyzed. The general cognitive operations that were found had little to do with the items' difficulty. Students are not being taught certain necessary, but untested, cognitive skills. Includes 23…

Classroom measurement devices, when tailored to fit a teacher's particular instructional objectives, are essential for optimal teaching and learning. Teachers use test data to assess students' progress but often fail to analyze tests for validity. This article shows how locally and correctly developed assessment tools may serve a variety of…

If used effectively, portfolios can be both an assessment tool and an integral part of instruction, while overcoming some attendant standardized-testing problems. New reading, writing, and mathematics assessment standards focus on student learning, reflection and critical inquiry, and integration of literacy skills with students' home, school, and…

Valid assessment of student learning in nonperformance music classes is important and possible. Grading practices in large ensembles are often questionable, as music teachers often reward attendance and effort over absolute achievement and overemphasize affective or attitudinal goals. Teachers cannot easily rate aesthetic responses, but any…