Results of a rational, multiple-choice, cloze Spanish achievement test indicate the validity of such a test to measure achievement. It is suggested that with only minor adaptations, such a test could be used as a way to measure macro- and microprogress with specific materials at any point in a course or program where reading may be tested. (SL)

Reviews the legal implications of particular types of educational reform in relation to improving teacher quality. Identifies the central legal principles that should shape state action in three areas: entry level teachers, teacher performance, and teacher dismissal. As states develop teacher reform strategies they should consider multiple areas…

Reviews judicial decisions involving school staff evaluation systems. Courts remain reluctant to interfere with the summative evaluation process of a school district. Administrators must apply reasoned, ascertainable standards in employment decisions in order to withstand judicial scrutiny amid the array of legal constraints on the evaluation of…

Describes development of a test using slides and corresponding multiple-choice questions for second-year occupational therapy students in child studies course. Reasons for choosing the test format are discussed and an outline of test construction procedures is given. An evaluation of the test indicates problems encountered and benefits gained.…

Recent changes in the objectives and techniques of testing India's university students are examined, including trends toward continuous rather than biennial or annual evaluation; internal (institutional) rather than external, standardized examinations; replacement of essay exams with more objective methods; and a letter grading system. (MSE)

Results obtained from 11- and 15-year-olds on tests of understanding of decimal place value and its influence on addition and subtraction skills are reported and discussed. (MNS)

The importance of spatial ability in facilitating curricular goals in science and mathematics is stressed. Suggestions are given about materials and activities to use and an instrument for assessing visual perception is illustrated. (MNS)

Testing in the nation's schools is on the rise. From the classroom quiz to the large-scale standardized test, the pressure for education to be "accountable" has intensified. As children experience this new tide of testing, it is helpful to become more aware of the different types of tests and their purposes. Students in the United States…

The present investigation was aimed at exploring the stability of the standard score distributions on the GED (General Educational Development) Tests taken by U.S. high school seniors in equating studies conducted by GED Testing Service during the span of 5 years from 2001 (the norming year) to 2005. Three questions were addressed by this…

Noting that involved parents can improve their children's chances of succeeding in school, this packet of cards offers 100 tips created to help parents become more involved in their child's education. Following a card of general tips on becoming involved, tips are offered in the following topic areas: helping a child stay alcohol, tobacco, and…

Noting that involved parents can improve their children's chances of succeeding in school, this packet of Spanish-language cards offers 100 tips created to help parents become more involved in their child's education. Following a card of general tips on becoming involved, tips are offered in the following topic areas: keeping a child alcohol,…

In an attempt to include more students with disabilities in large-scale assessments, 12 states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana, North Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia) allowed out-of-level testing during the 2000-2001 school year. This report discusses the context of state assessment…

This paper draws on theory and research on motivation in education to identify principles that might guide decision making concerning National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments for twelfth graders. It draws on three areas of motivation theory, identifies motivational issues that make twelfth-grade NAEP assessments problematic,…

For the past three years, we have been investigating the implications of testing on students in elementary mathematics classrooms throughout the state of NJ. Our research, and the work of others, indicates that the impact of testing depends on many factors, not the least of which involves how teachers prepare their students for the test. In this…

The accuracy and fairness of standardized testing is taken very seriously in the education world. These issues are a major focus of both the testing experts who develop standardized tests and the researchers who endeavor to ensure a test's fairness, reliability, validity, and accuracy. But many issues remain both controversial and complex. The…