Discusses the results of a survey to gather information on the state of the art of testing writing proficiency at the college level. According to the results, many respondents did note positive side effects of the unprecedented growth in testing, particularly its influence on the direction of writing curricula. (HTH)

Examines and rejects nine reasons given by educators for opposing externally designed tests. Suggests a tenth, unvoiced reason that may be the most valid: that testing may reveal deficiencies in the school's educational program. (PGD)

The Educational Testing Service must take on more responsibility for preparing students to take tests and to better understand the legal and social aspects of testing. (Author/AL)

Points to limitations of procedures used by Kim Yap in probing the causal ordering between vocabulary and comprehension skills of primary grade pupils (see EJ 206 255); cautions researchers of reading behavior not to apply Yap's procedures indiscriminately. (HOD)

As computers become increasingly available to public schools, physical education teachers and coaches will have access to the many services and conveniences the computer offers. Physical education majors should be kept current with technology that affects their professional development. (CJ)

Two reading comprehension tests were made up based on two different texts thought to be of equal difficulty. An analysis of the texts and test items was performed after students taking one of the tests scored considerably higher than the other students, and it was determined that one text was in fact more difficult. (CFM)

Argues that reading comprehension is better measured in performance contexts than in decontextualized standardized tests (especially for the nonhearing) and that dialogue journal writing is a better method of testing reading comprehension. Five types of comprehension can be isolated in journals: propositions, questions, inferential messages,…

Examines practices that encourage false negatives and false positives on licensing and certification tests designed to protect the public. Recommends increasing the amount of testing or raising the required passing score for repeat test takers. (FMW)

Describes a method for enhancing learning and problem solving by encouraging self-monitoring. Students are directed to go over a test upon completion in order to critically assess their answers. Students are allowed to change their answers if they are determined to be inadequate. Finds that self-scoring produces significantly higher grades. (KO)

Describes results of research by the Test User Qualifications Working Group that can be applied to improving testing practices, including 86 test use competencies and 7 factors accounting for misuse; a test classification system; and empirically based test purchaser qualification forms. (SLD)

Tests the hypothesis that the introduction of computer-adaptive testing may help to alleviate test anxiety and diminish the relationship between test anxiety and test performance. Compares a sample of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test takers who took the computer-adaptive version of the test with another sample who took the…

Although instructional methods are moving in ever greater number to a multimedia base, testing is not. What principles should be considered in correcting this misalignment?

This book focuses on the International Examinations Inquiry (IEI), an international, well-funded scientific project that operated in the 1930s, attracting key world figures in educational research, and which undertook significant exchanges of data. Originally involving the USA, Scotland, England, France, Germany and Switzerland, the IEI grew to…

With federal and local demands for increased accountability, educators at all levels are now expected to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective data users and decision makers. This book brings together stakeholders representing a variety of perspectives to explore how educators actually use data and technology tools to achieve…

The authors present the case not only for studying the history of community psychology but also of adopting a pluralistic approach to historical inquiry, using multiple methods and access to resources from other disciplines (e.g., historians of science and social historians). Examples of substantive topics and methods, including social network and…