How criterion-referenced tests can be used in program and curriculum evaluations is discussed. Topics include: understanding program/curriculum environments, determining an appropriate evaluation model, and standards for determining a CRT's and an evaluation's quality. Five instructional steps are outlined, and an annotated bibliography and a…

Describes two types of criterion-referenced testing that districts can use to measure achievement outcomes of their instructional programs: a random sampling assessment plan and an item-response theory assessment plan. (Author/JM)

Fourteen criteria used to evaluate criterion referenced tests were assigned two sets of weights reflecting the characteristics of tests designed as a classroom resource or for program evaluation. Twenty eight currently available criterion referenced tests were rated against the criteria using each set of weights. A comparison of the scores…

The 1973 statewide (Maryland) educational accountability plan, for which this report was compiled, called for the development and establishment of statewide and local goals in reading, writing, and mathematics; a comprehensive and uniform statewide testing program; procedures for collecting data on student, home, community, and school…

During the 1976-77 academic year the Alexandria City Schools conducted a project to upgrade social skills of its students. Experimental and control groups were established at grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12. Although pretests were administered to both groups, only the experimental group received the results of their tests. Instructions…

Four cities in Virginia conducted projects to upgrade social studies skills of their students. This evaluation guide explains the project in Fairfax County Schools during the 1976-1977 academic year. Experimental and control groups were established at grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12. Although pretests were administered to both groups,…

One of four projects conducted in Virginia during the 1976-1977 school year, this guide describes the project in Roanoke City Schools to upgrade social studies skills. Experimental and control groups were established at grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12. Although pretests were administered to both groups, only the experimental group…

Virginia sponsored four evaluation projects during the 1976-1977 academic year. Four city school districts conducted projects to upgrade social studies skills of their students. This guide explains the conduct of that project in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Experimental and control groups were established at grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and…

The 1973 statewide (Maryland) educational accountability plan, for which this report was compiled, called for the development and establishment of statewide and local goals in reading, writing, and mathematics; a comprehensive and uniform statewide testing program; procedures for collecting data on student, home, community, and school…

Review the progress and refinement of educational assessment during the past 40 years. Discusses the dynamic effects of the interaction between persons in various fields of educational practice and persons specializing in educational evaluation. Mentions adoption by the U.S. Army of psychological and educational tests for purposes of selection and…

Recent changes in the structure of curriculum and the instructional system in Texas have required a major reorganization of teaching, evaluating, budgeting, and planning activities in the local education agencies, which has created the need for a database. The history of Richardson Instructional Management System (RIMS), its data processing…

Research evidence relating to the utility of the RMC evaluation models of compensatory education employing non-normed tests is examined. The history and evolution of five early models into the current norm-referenced model utilizing a non-normed test (Model A2), non-normed versions of a comparison model (Model B2), and the regression model (Model…

This speech presents instructional evaluation techniques currently used in Belleville, Illinois. These are based on two criteria: (1) community opinion, and (2) performance level of students. To discover community opinions, needs, priorities, and levels of support, questionnaires are distributed, presenting a series of curricular goals and…

In the first part of the paper, some realistic expectations about schools and curriculum development, the conditions which preclude applying the standards of basic research to evaluate a program of instruction in large school systems, and some new research paradigms which have emerged from practice are defined. In the second part, an effort is…

A statewide sustained effort to improve student learning in Missouri by adopting and adapting promising research-based educational practices is described. The concept of an Instructional Management System (IMS) with desired learner outcomes determining both instruction and testing was suggested to local school districts beginning in 1980. In 1985,…