This technical brief describes the large-scale assessment measures and practices used in the jurisdictions served by the Pacific Regional Educational Laboratory. The need for effective large-scale assessment was identified as a major priority for improving student achievement in the Pacific Region jurisdictions: American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, the…

The purpose of this report is to provide descriptive data regarding the test scores of Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in reading, math, and science, as reported to the School Choice Demonstration Project 2008-2009. The tables, graphs, and histograms presented in this paper provide a snapshot of these…

Identifies questions pertinent to the issue of assessment. Notes that comparison of student achievements has negative social and psychological consequences. Suggests problems which are inherent in the process of assessment by objectives. Urges the measurement of the progress of each pupil from one stage of learning to the next. (KO)

This study, carried out in 1975-1976 and reported in this document, focused on the following aims: to identify specific tasks and competencies associated with basic literacy and numeration skills which children in Australia need to master; to prepare appropriate performance (criterion-referenced) tests to measure levels of competence of 10- and…

This study, carried out in 1975-1976 and reported in this document, focused on the following aims: to identify specific tasks and competencies associated with basic literacy and numeration skills which children in Australia need to master; to prepare appropriate performance (criterion-referenced) tests to measure levels of competence in the basic…

The pros and cons of using behavioral objectives, the merits of norm-referenced versus objective-referenced tests, and the virtues of sampling versus census testing are familiar topics in evaluation literature. Far less common is practical information on how to implement objective-referenced testing, particularly the large-scale testing required…

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…

This articles discusses ways to respond to the need for criterion referenced information using Bayes' theorem, a method coupled with criterion referenced testing in the early 1970s. The theorem determines the most likely classification for an examinee from a dichotomous choice or through placement on a categorical or interval scale. A discussion…

The purpose of this report is to provide descriptive data regarding the test scores of Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in reading, math and science, as reported to the School Choice Demonstration Project 2007-2008. The tables, graphs, and histograms presented in this report provide a snapshot of these…

This document presents five scenarios, each referring to a means of assessing learning. These examples are then used to discuss pitfalls faced when tests are used to assess learning, and the conclusion is reached that testing should play a supportive role only, not a major role in the quest for excellence. Effective schools research shows that…

The accountability movement in American education has received great clamors of attention in the past few years. This movement, in turn, suggests the need for particular data to inform responsible decision-making; the need for assessment instruments which can address the question of what is learned; and the need for strengthening the existing…

A detailed and condensed discussion describes the process of test item preparation in general, with special application to the measurement of learning in occupational education. Because the Instructional Support System Occupational Education (ISSOE) has as a policy a emphasis on input from teachers, these guidelines have been prepared to assist…