Research in validity suggests that stakeholders' interpretation and use of test results should be an aspect of validity. Claims about the meaningfulness of test score interpretations and consequences of test use should be backed by evidence that stakeholders understand the definition of the construct assessed and the score report information. The…

Important decisions about students are made by combining multiple measures using complex decision rules. Although methods for characterizing the accuracy of decisions based on a single measure have been suggested by numerous researchers, such methods are not useful for estimating the accuracy of decisions based on multiple measures. This study…

We ask whether failing one or more of the state-mandated high-school exit examinations affects whether students graduate from high school. Using a new multi-dimensional regression-discontinuity approach, we examine simultaneously scores on mathematics and English language arts tests. Barely passing both examinations, as opposed to failing them,…

Examined utility of Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) by comparing results obtained from 217 normal adolescents to findings from Cull and Gill's standardization effort. Present sample scored significantly higher than normative sample on SPS item, subscale, and total scores. Findings suggest need for caution when using SPS to assess adolescent…

The author reviews the use of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) as a general intelligence measure for selection of students to the Chicago public school magnet high school program. Advantages of the APM are cited, including its effectiveness in identifying gifted minority students. (CL)

Samples of handicapped and nonhandicapped pupils were compared on the following: initial Minimum Competency Test (MCT) performance, participation in remediation, improvements in subsequent MCT, and eligibility for receiving high school diplomas. Nonhandicapped pupils generally fared better on all measures, although sharp differences were found…

A historical perspective on high-stakes testing suggests that tests required for high school graduation will have mixed results for the putative value of high school diplomas. Graduation requirements are not likely to settle the general cultural confusion in the United States about the purpose of secondary education or a high school diploma. (SLD)

Studied validity of the Career Decision Scale (CDS) for use by high school counselors in identifying students needing career services. Results showed that the construct or factor validity of an adapted CDS did not support its use as a measure of different components of educational/vocational indecision. (WAS)

Six interest measures and 15 ability measures were administered to 2,101 high school seniors in 19 vocational-technical schools. Computer-based score interpretation would have referred approximately 80 percent of satisfied/successful students to job cluster containing vocational program they completed. Results indicated that computer-based…

The Attitudes toward Mathematics Inventory (ATMI) was developed to measure students' attitudes toward mathematics. The ATMI was initially produced using samples of high school students at a private high school, and the initial pool of items was submitted to exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were identified: self-confidence, value,…

This study was commissioned to investigate issues related to the inclusion of the American College Testing Program (ACT) assessment within the Colorado State Assessment Program (CSAP). Analyses were carried out using assessment materials, assessment results, and various data from the ACT and the Colorado State Department of Education. One focus of…

In 1999, the LegiSchool Project planned to conduct the 12th in its series of televised Town Hall Meetings to provide a forum in which California high school students, educators, and legislators can engage in face-to-face dialogue about problems of mutual interest. For 1999, the topic is standards and tests in California high schools. This guide…

Discusses the plaintiffs' arguments, the state's responses, and the specific findings in the context of major themes of "GI Forum v. Texas Education Agency," which found that the Texas graduation test was valid and reliable and met applicable professional standards, including motive and opportunity to learn. (SLD)

Draws seven conclusions for professionals who administer state assessment programs from the "GI Forum V. Texas Education Agency" ruling. These conclusions are grouped into observations about test development and observations about test use. Discusses some implications for test use in other states. (SLD)

This research was an attempt to produce consistent course-level placement in college mathematics based on a predicted placement score in lieu of an actual placement score. Real data were used to determine the prediction equation and a second simple random sample from the same population was used to cross-validate the results. The consequences of…