Previous studies in the area of testing frequency are scarce and outdated, but provide results showing that college students performance improves on objective tests when more frequent tests are given. The purpose of this study was to measure college students' performance on more frequent tests by reducing a unit of study into smaller segments,…

Since recent rises in standardized test scores have once again raised the possibility of cheating, there are a number of things which a school district should do to minimize the problem. These involve: (1) informing staff, students, and parents about appropriate and inappropriate test-taking and test-improvement skills; (2) providing staff and…

Of those who wrote the 11 signed papers in this report, the variety of their learning and experiences brings an interplay of different points of view on the topic of ability testing. This document describes the theory and practice of testing; illuminates competing interests in a balanced fashion; and helps those who make decisions with tests or…

This report describes how assessments are scored and results are reported in the inclusive assessment and accountability systems in Maryland and Kentucky. Specific topics include: (1) how school performance is reported to the public; (2) what components go into the reported performance of schools; (3) how scores are obtained for students in the…

This collection of graphs and tables of information from various survey sources shows the opinions of parents, teachers, and students about current educational issues. Graphs show that parents think improving schools is top priority, and they support higher standards. Parents see many benefits to student testing, and the majority does not think…

The historical roots of current educational assessment practices are traced, exploring assessment in the generic sense rather than as educational measurement. Our culture of assessment developed long ago, predating the history of educational measurement. Current inefficiencies in education and faults in school life may have grown with this…

The Joint Committee on Testing Practices (JCTP) is a coordinating body sponsored by professional organizations and test publishers that seeks to advance the quality of testing practices and insure the rights of test takers. The JCTP has issued a code, reprinted here, advocating fairness in test construction, selection, and interpretation. (AF)

This report explores the application of cost analysis to testing and assessment in elementary and secondary schools. A case for economic analysis of testing is first outlined. The case rests on the importance on test information, the magnitude of resources devoted to testing, and the relevance of an economics of information model to testing…

This volume examines historic, cross-cultural, and psychometric issues with regard to the use of psychological testing in South Africa. After an introduction in Chapter 1, the following chapters are: "Measurement and Evaluation in Psychology and Education"; "History of the Development of Psychological Tests," which includes…

A hearing was held to consider the issues involved in funding the administration's proposals for certain educational testing. After opening remarks by Senators Kennedy (Massachusetts) , Specter (Pennsylvania), and Harkin (Iowa), the Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, spoke about the proposed tests. The Clinton Administration and Secretary…

Designed for parents of kindergarten and elementary school children in Austin, Texas, this brochure explains the structure and function of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. A question and answer format is used to provide information on the scope and purposes of the tests, grade level differences in testing, meaning and accuracy of the scores, and…

The Center for the Study of Evaluation (CSE) undertook a three-year study to provide educational policy makers with basic, new information on classroom achievement testing across the United States. Conducted from 1979 through 1983, CSE's research investigated a wide range of types of formal assessment measures as well as some less formal means for…

In recent years, the Florida State Legislature has mandated that all students who enter colleges and universities must write one of four test batteries for the purpose of placement and that all students are required to pass an exit exam, the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), at the end of the sophomore year. This paper examines the…

This study investigated the relationship between a test's psychometric characteristics and school staff satisfaction with its use in programmatic activities. The Inventory of Test Use Satisfaction (IOTUS) was used to evaluate two individually administered oral language production tests used in Hawaii's Students of Limited English Proficiency…

The nature and quality of teacher-developed tests was studied in a national sample of 228 teachers representing four grade levels and several subjects. Teachers described their patterns of test use, concerns about assessment, and use of performance testing. Teacher-developed performance assessment was heavily used. (Author/GDC)