Described a probe that can assess the learners' understanding of scientific ideas in conditions that do not demand closure on a single interpretation, and where learners can demonstrate certainty or otherwise in several possible alternatives. Can be used in monitoring conceptual change when intuitive understanding of scientific phenomena is to be…

Topics covered in these essays on testing in high school English are (1) the need for major literature tests to determine not factual recall but whether students are growing into rational and humane persons through their experiences with English; (2) the usefulness of pre-tests and re-tests, and the need to emphasize tests as a means of…

In developing countries, for the most part, traditional methods of selecting students for secondary schools, technical and vocational institutions, teacher training colleges, and universities are unable to ensure that the most capable applicants receive the limited opportunities available. To remedy this situation, the author has assembled and…

The report describes the development of an alternative performance assessment procedure for certifying adults at the secondary school level in the New York External High School Diploma Program. Unlike standardized group tests, the alternative method is characterized by such features as flexibility in time and location of testing, variety of…

A project to upgrade knowledge and skills of junior high school students in American history was conducted in four cities and counties in Virginia during 1977-78. The hypothesis was that students who received feedback from teachers regarding performance on an American history pre-test would perform better on a subsequent American history test.…