The increasing relation between domain-referenced measurement and its implications in instruction are discussed with the argument that construction methods available do not guarantee content validity which needs more attention to be effective. Two domain-referenced testing procedures illustrate construction and validity problems. (CM)

Evaluates three strategies for controlling input-level ability differences in research utilizing ability test performance for evaluating school effectiveness: (1) longitudinal, predetermined ability measures; (2) cross-sectional, endogenous ability measures; and (3) socioeconomic measures as proxies for ability. (Author/GC)

Presents a critical overview of educational screening devices and the means by which they should be judged. Topics discussed include estimates regarding the extent to which school readiness tests are used, objectives of screening, effectiveness of educational screening, defining the at-risk population, measurement problems, and measures for…

Discusses the problematic future of program evaluation, especially in the field of education, in the context of testing and politics and with regard to epistemology. Evaluators must learn to focus on the complex knowledge of program coping and merit, rather than merely tracking simplistic indicator variables. (SLD)

Within the context of standards-based educational systems, states are using large scale reading assessments to help ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn essential knowledge and skills. The challenge for developers of accessible reading assessments is to develop assessments that measure only those student characteristics that are…

Within large scale educational assessment agencies in the UK, there has been a shift towards assessors marking digitally scanned copies rather than the original paper scripts that were traditionally used. This project uses extended essay examination scripts to consider whether the mode in which an essay is read potentially influences the…

The National curriculum assessment (NCA) in Wales has evolved from common foundations into a system that is now distinct from that in England. The influence of the political and social milieu of Wales can be seen both in the distinctive features that have been in place from the outset and in the more radical changes introduced since 2002. In this…

This pragmatic, accessible book presents an empirically supported conceptual framework and hands-on instructions for conducting curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in grades K-8. The authors provide everything needed to evaluate student learning in reading, spelling, writing, and math; graph the resulting data; and use this information to make…

This report summarizes the twelfth survey of states by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) at the University of Minnesota. Results are presented for all 50 states and 8 of the 11 unique states. The purpose of this report is to provide a snapshot of the new initiatives, trends, accomplishments, and emerging issues during this…

A number of current activities at the Center for the Study of Evaluation (CSE) are described, including research programs, evaluation services, workshops and field training programs, publications, and information dissemination. The Evaluation and Decision Making Program studies evaluation from three different perspectives: (1) the program level,…

This publication offers suggestions to any teacher in the field of education. It is not intended to answer all questions regarding evaluation, but rather to serve as a springboard toward stimulating new ideas and encouraging teachers to experiment with new methods of evaluation. Three classifications are used to show the varied methods of…

To measure any element or characteristics of an early childhood education system, the general context of interdependencies must be assessed in order to take into account possible interactions of the characteristics measured with characteristics of the student, teacher, situation, and background. A comprehensive program of individual assessment…

Argues that it's time for the evidence on improved methods of assessing English to be reviewed at national level. (Editor)

In the United States, standardized educational tests have been used for assessment purposes in grades K through 12 almost since the inception of the testing movement in the early 1900s. Because test-based assessment can have wide-ranging positive or negative effects on K-12 students, the test user must ensure that the tests used for assessment…

Discusses the role of examinations in teaching biology. Comments on the aims of examinations, essay questions, scientific writing, testing for comprehension of practical problems, problems and judgments, statistical skills, practical examinations, and the general problems of examining. (JR)