Context-dependent items are traditionally analyzed independently, creating a situation in which the potential local item dependence effects among these items may cause a biased estimation of examinees' abilities. This study investigated the local item dependence effects on testlets in the tryout version of a statewide science assessment by a Rasch…

The Illinois Science Assessment Framework for grade 11 is designed to assist educators, test developers, policy makers and the public by clearly defining those elements of the Illinois Learning Standards that are suitable for state testing. This document employs a general organizational structure designed for ease of use. Each state goal for…

Reviews different types of tests that a science teacher may use. Selection of a particular test depends on various predetermined achievement criteria. Some useful hints are given for teachers for constructing their own tests. (PS)

One hundred ten secondary school chemistry students were given two tests after programed instruction. Researcher concludes from comparison of results that there was a significant difference between the two tests. The experimental test, based on Bloom's Taxonomy, discriminated between higher and lower cognitive levels and categories. (JM)

Discusses ability tests in terms of a definition of ability, their advantages, and objectives that must be met if they are to be useful. Addresses specific issues related to developing a scientific ability test and describes a test developed by the author. (DC)

Fifteen stations are used for a laboratory examination which focuses on evaluation of laboratory techniques, skills, procedures, and information management. Examples of several stations (with related questions) are provided. Areas measured include bacterial and cellular culturing, staining, and transferring procedures, genetics…

Provides list of tests available for the 1983 American Chemical Society (ACE) testing program and tables of condensed norms for six ACE examinations. Also provides a listing of the subject matter content of General Chemistry Form 1983 and 1983B. The test contains 80 items in 15 major areas. (JN)

Presents evidence that attests to the potential usefulness of the MCI in science education research. Describes the first use of the MCI specifically in science education research and current research efforts that reveal satisfactory internal consistency, discriminant validity, and predictive validity of the MCI scales. (CS)

Determines effects of optional retesting of en route course objectives on end-of-course achievement and attitudes for high school chemistry students (N=88). Comparisons of data between retest and non-retest groups revealed no significant differences in achievement, but that students definitely preferred having the retest opportunity. (CS)

The history of the Oxford Local Examinations is discussed beginning with the first examination in 1856 and including the advent of the General Certificate of Education examination in the late 1940s. (SA)

Describes the development of an instrument, for use by elementary and secondary science teachers, sensitive to alternative conceptions of particular philosophic aspects of scientific theories and which has applicability in inferring understanding of the tentative and revisionary conception of science. (DS)

Explores variables influencing the cognitive emphasis of teachers' examinations. Examination questions from Nigerian secondary school science teachers were analyzed according to Bloom's Taxonomy. The influence of the following variables on levels of questions was investigated: teachers' educational backgrounds, subjects taught, grade level taught,…

Investigated the learning by eighth-grade students of the concept of crustal evolution, asking questions that deal with how time-efficient procedures can be devised that measure concept learning effectively and whether these procedures yield valid information on the learning of a science concept. (CS)

Investigates two evaluative hypotheses related to test item sequence and the performance of the students who take the tests. (SA)