This is an introductory comment by the organizer of the 1986 symposium of the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME). The symposium was organized as a memorial to the late Roger Lennon, former president of NCME and a scholar in the field of educational measurement. (JAZ)

The advantages and disadvantages of four curriculum monitoring systems are presented. (MD)

The technique of oral testing, viewed as a viable alternative to written tests (e.g. true-false/multiple choice and essay/objective), is examined. The goals of this technique are to (1) have tests fulfill the objectives of most teachers, and (2) thereby have examinations truly be learning experiences for students. (SH)

The apparent small effect of differences in school resources on student achievement that appears in studies such as the Coleman report can be better explained in terms of the design and instruments of the studies than by assuming "facts" that are consistent with the data. (Author/IRT)

Online assessment of any type is attractive to educators because it allows large amounts of student data to be gathered and accessed quickly. Indeed, online, summative assessments--generally end-of-course, state-level, and placement exams--are making the annual student testing ritual a meaningful audit instead of what some call an…

This chapter outlines the concept of test anxiety and its impact on performance, manners in which to diagnose and provide accommodations for the disability, and many means by which to reduce the impact of test anxiety. Overall, it bears repeating that although the concept of test anxiety is relatively simple, understanding how it affects a given…

In the schools, the primary clients are the students. Other clients include parents, citizens, the community, and educators--all stakeholders in the processes and the products of schools. Professionals in administrative, instructional, and student services are committed to serving these internal and external clients by providing for offerings and…

Some students study, and some learn, in preparation for exams; to increase their number, author (a high school teacher) presents a restructured exam program." (SP)

The most reliable test is the student made or question-test". Suggestions for administering and grading this type of test are presented. (AF)

Discusses the sociology of examinations, their interaction with teachers, with aims and philosophy of teaching programs, and with students. Emphasizes the need to (1) construct valid tests, (2) test for understanding instead of memory, and (3) use meaningful grading procedures. (LC)

The validity of using Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores either as admission to, or graduation from the Brigham Young University library school is questioned. (SJ)

Points out some of the meaninglessness of statistical measures of pupils' performances. (DE)