This study examined the effects of marking method and rater experience on ESL (English as a Second Language) essay test scores and rater performance. Each of 31 novice and 29 experienced raters rated a sample of ESL essays both holistically and analytically. Essay scores were analysed using a multi-faceted Rasch model to compare test-takers'…

This paper describes how a state education system in Australia introduced standards-referenced assessments into its large-scale, high-stakes, curriculum-based examinations in a way that enables comparison of performance across time even though the examinations are different each year. It describes the multi-stage modified Angoff standard-setting…

Reports possible improvements in debate ballots beyond the American Forensic Association "Form C." (CH)

Investigated psychometric properties of three methods of scoring a Mixed Standard Scale performance evaluation: a patterned procedure, simple nonpatterned scoring procedure and procedure assigning differential weights to statements on the basis of scale values provided by subject matter experts. Found no differences in the score distribution…

The need to determine eligibility for a program for intellectually gifted students resulted in combining deviation scores on achievement, aptitude, ability and motivation measures into a matrix score. These matrix scores and the students' success in the program were determined for present participants. Students were classified as successful or…

Suggestions to English teachers for evaluating students' work in English composition. (MB)

The article reviews current estimation techniques and their resultant effects on the learning disability classroom's composition. An alternate estimation methodology, using z-score conversions, is presented. (Author/SBH)

This report presents the results of a research and development effort for SpeechRater? Version 1.0 (v1.0), an automated scoring system for the spontaneous speech of English language learners used operationally in the Test of English as a Foreign Language™ (TOEFL®) Practice Online assessment (TPO). The report includes a summary of the validity…

Examines empirically the efficacy of utilizing Olympic diving and gymnastic scoring systems for grading graduate students' English compositions. Results indicated that such scoring rules do not produce ratings different in reliability or in level from conventional letter grades. (ED)

Some of the different approaches to standard setting are discussed. Brief comments and references are offered concerning strategies that rely primarily on the use of expert judgment. Controversy surrounds methods that use expert judges, as well as those using test groups to set scores empirically. A minimax procedure developed by H. Huynh, an…

States that final exams can best motivate students if the exams are counted substantially toward the final course grade. Proposes a weighting system in which a performance on the final which exceeds the student's average would be weighed more heavily than a poor performance. (CP)

A systematic approach to assure the teacher of readable materials suited to the student's age level. (Editor)

The paper examines two general methods of scoring oral reading inventories employing textual passages. Either the total number of oral alterations can be used as an index to reading ability, or only those alterations that disrupt the semantic structure of the text can be used. (Author)

The letter unit and the whole word method were used to score the spelling of 70 third graders (35 good spellers and 35 poor spellers). Results indicated that either scoring procedure could have been used. Use is suggested based on needs for word analysis or for quick scoring time. (CL)

The essay on the writing section of the SAT will be scored using a holistic approach. In holistic scoring, a piece of writing is considered as a total piece of work--the whole of which is greater than the sum of its parts.