The overall effectiveness of a school program can be assessed through a matrix sampling technique. In Illinois a district gathers evaluative data in 10 content areas by administering tests to sample groups of students. (MD)

Relates how the twin pressures of ignorance and prejudice acted as a serious stimulus to the replacement of the 1944 syllabus of the New South Wales curriculum with that of 1953. (HOD)

Presented is a discussion of the needs of any program in which an educational assessment of students at the end of their secondary schooling is conducted. (SL)

A study conducted with secondary level students in a Swiss school shows that the future of the language laboratory cannot be disassociated from other aspects of second language teaching. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)

Discusses the development of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and describes how its methods and materials are being used in Nebraska, Connecticut, Maine, and other states as a tool to improve educational programs. (Author/JG) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Utilization).

Identification of objectives, review of texts, assessment of outcomes, and consideration of students are suggested procedures for effective textbook adoption. (Author)

In order to ascertain current assessment practices at final degree level in British university geography departments, 33 departments were surveyed. A model was then developed that conveys the value of using a range of examination techniques to suit particular teaching objectives and experiences. (LBH)

This overview of the Alaska system for test development, scoring, and reporting explored differences and similarities between norm-referenced and standards-based tests. The current Alaska testing program is based on legislation passed in 1997 and 1998, and is designed to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Legislation. In…

This is a report on the 2001 audit of Texas' public community, junior, and technical colleges. The audit was administered to make funding adjustments for the difference between the colleges' estimated and actual contact with students. It analyzes enrollment data submitted by each public two-year college. The report states that each institution is…

This report outlines the major themes of the 2000 annual conference of the Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST), which focused on educational accountability in the 21st century. The conference opened with a panel presentation on the Texas accountability system. This session included a presentation by one of…

This digest provides an overview of the concept of alignment and the role it plays in assessment and accountability systems. It also discusses methodological issues affecting the study of alignment and explores the relationship between alignment and test score interpretation. Alignment refers to the degree of match between test content and subject…

Over the years, the definitions of educational standards have become more varied, and the issue of what standards really mean has become more confusing. The answer to the question, "For whom are content standards developed?" helps determine who takes them seriously. Establishing clear content standards plays a critical role in an…

This document consists of the first 15 consecutive issues of a newsletter published by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (The Academy), a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The newsletter focuses on providing information and feedback on early childhood programs for early childhood…

Multiple choice tests are widely viewed as the most effective and objective means of assessment. Item development is the central component of creating an effective test, but test developers often do not have the background in item development. This document describes recall, application, and analysis, the three cognitive levels of test items. It…