The purpose of this report is to present a synthesis of the research on test accommodations published in 2015 and 2016. We summarize the research to review current research trends and enhance understanding of the implications of accommodations use in the development of future policy directions, to highlight implementation of current and new…

Canada's knowledge-based economy--especially the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)--continues to grow. Related changes in the economy, including shifts to globalized markets and an emphasis on innovation and technology, all mean that education is more and more an integral component of economic and social well-being.…

Tertiary educators (and their institutions) are turning to technology to help meet increased demands in a changing environment. Assessment is one area where such moves are being made. This paper reminds us that assessment is more than a summative check on student knowledge and skills, it is an experience and part of the communication, and…

The aim of the present research was to compare the use of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as an examination method, to the examination based on constructed-response questions (CRQs). Despite that MCQs have an advantage concerning objectivity in the grading process and speed in production of results, they also introduce an error in the final…

Computers are being used to conduct large-scale graduate placement tests, professional certification exams, vocational interest and aptitude assessments, workplace skills tests, and even classroom quizzes. Although convenient and easier to administer, computer tests are expensive and could discriminate against those with less computer literacy.…

Reports on a study of the use of cloze passages in a developmental reading assessment program. The cloze procedure provides students with opportunities to practice their improved reading skills, while affording complete student-as-reader profiles. Concedes the value of standardized tests in determining student readiness to exit developmental…

To assess the feasibility of computer-assisted Federal Aviation Administration certification examinations, a system for administering the Private Pilot Certification Examination was implemented using PLATO. Characteristics, reactions, and guidelines for use of the test are included. (Author/JJD)

The South Carolina Trade Examinations for trade and industrial education teachers are administered semiannually by the Office of Vocational Education. This handbook is designed to provide prospective trade and industrial education teachers, vocational administrators, State Department of Education personnel, and other interested parties with…

In home study, testing is the primary method of interacting and exchanging information with students. However, both the testing methods and the administration of most home study examinations are disappointing. The preparation of most examinations is often an afterthought, with little if any attention given to how such exercises might contribute to…

Reasons for administering tests fall into two categories--decision-making and promoting learning. The two bases of tests are learning objectives and the level of learning at which training is developed. Test development involves a number of steps. The best way to tie objectives to test items is through the use of a table of specifications, which…

Findings of studies examining the effects of presentation media on item characteristics are reviewed. The effect of medium of presentation independent of adaptive methodology in computer-assisted testing was studied through tests of 763 Marine trainees. Conditions necessary for score equivalence between item presentation media are described. (SLD)

The development of the student destination survey instrument was a response to an identified need for a tool to measure the effectiveness of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) programs in Australia. The requirement was for a tool that was flexible in accommodating changing course structures and consistent across state and territory boundaries.…

The Learning and Working Styles Inventory (LWSI) (H. Hendrix-Frye, 1997) is an economically priced inventory administered to individuals to assess their learning styles and to identify preferred working conditions. The inventory may be administered individually or in a group setting to students in grade 7 through college in computer, audiovisual,…

A study was conducted to validate the Army's Computerized Adaptive Screening Test (CAST), using data from 2,240 applicants from 60 army recruiting stations across the nation. CAST is a computer-assisted adaptive test used to predict performance on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). AFQT scores are computed by adding four subtest scores of…

A computerized testing system was implemented in conjunction with the Radar Technician Training Course at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. The feasibility of the system and students' attitudes toward it were examined. The system, a multilevel, microprocessor-based computer network, administered tests in a sequential, fixed length…