Explores the three broad thrusts of literature curricula, noting that no test can cover all three. Discusses how the content and objectives of the literature curriculum can be specified and how test questions can be developed for the evaluation of literature comprehension. (HTH)

Outlines the problems of students with dyslexia and the history of the recognition of the problem. Includes a detailed list of symptoms that may indicate dyslexia is a problem for a student. (MD)

Outlines Northeast Missouri State University's Value-Added Student Assessment Program, which determines the value added to students as they progress through the educational system. The program has been functioning for over a decade and affects nearly every aspect of the university. (MD)

Three leading experts on teacher evaluation agree that multiple data sources improve evaluation accuracy. A testing program for preservice and inservice teachers is cited. Semiannual testing (norm-referenced and criterion-referenced) of students is also cited as a way to evaluate teachers' effectiveness. (MLF)

The "what" and "how" of the Assessment of Performance Unit surveys of the mathematics performance of 11- and 15-year-olds in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are explained. The framework and forms of assessment are detailed, and the experience of the testers noted. (MNS)

Analyzed was the mental activity required to answer Profile Test questions. This was then related to the results of pupils with differing profiles. Most of the mental activity could be reduced to three categories of knowledge: data, short operations, and paths. These categories are then discussed and applied. (MNS)

Attitudes toward science of 654 pupils aged 14-15 were assessed, and relationships between attitude and locality, achievement, and sex studied. Achievement was mildly correlated with attitude, but locality and sex had no influence. Other findings are also discussed. (MNS)

Chronicles the development of holistic evaluation in English testing, defines the term and others associated with it, and suggests the central reasons for its use. Discusses some of the problems and disadvantages of this powerful and generally positive approach to student writing evaluation. (HTH)

Discusses issues related to examination questions which begin by asking students to "Describe an experiment to..." Indicates that this strategy is useful when focusing on important quantities/phenomena or "celebrated" experiments and that examining boards should not request students to describe experiments which verify or…

A study investigated whether examiners' personal familiarity and professional experience with examinees affects handicapped children's test performance. Professionally experienced and inexperienced examiners were used in test conditions that varied by degree of personal familiarity of examiners and children. Results are discussed. (Author/DF)

Although evaluation practice in Israel is strongly influenced by American thinking, it is also a unique local response to societal, political, academic, cultural, and interpersonal pressures. In this interview Arieh Lewy discusses educational evaluation in Israel and the cultural context in which it operates. (Author/BS)

To help explain the relationship between board activities and mathematics education today, the creation and evolution of the College Board are described. The development of the Advanced Placement computer science course description and examination are noted particularly. (MNS)

The article summarizes current knowledge as it relates to three basic requirements for assessment (qualified personnel, adequate tools, and fair implementation) and identifies research and evaluation priorities for special education and school psychology. Priorities include defining minimum competency for assessment personnel and identifying…

Participants at a national conference on the school/college relationship make comments and recommendations in four areas: college admission policies, the role of testing in college admission, avenues for collaboration, and the impact of college admission standards on high school course enrollment. (MD)

Looks at the future of testing in school counseling. Concludes that the level of sophistication in testing will continue to increase through greater use of the microcomputer, more combined instrument packages, more emphasis on self-administration and self-scoring, increased attention to special groups, and more emphasis on test interpretation.…