Describes a procedure for using the computer to assist in evaluating the progress of students on pretests, unit tests, posttests or a combination of tests. The use of computers to evaluate cognitive objectives of a course is examined. Twenty-four references are listed. (MER)

Describes second language testing methods including discrete-point tests, integrative tests, criterion-referenced testing, FSI test of oral proficiency, tests of functional ability. No way has yet been found to reliably measure communicative competence in second languages. (BK)

Briefly discusses the phases and components of the IPISD (Interservice Procedures for Instructional Systems Development), reviews three critical points (initial analysis, determining training objectives, criterion referenced test development), and provides recommendations to assist the performance technologist in playing the difficult roles of…

A nonrandomized minimax solution is presented for passing scores on mastery tests using the binomial error model. The computation does not require prior knowledge regarding an individual examinee or group test data for a population of examinees. A scheme which allows for correction for guessing is also described. (Author/JKS)

Taylor and Russell produced a set of tables which gives the proportion of successful cases when a given cutoff score or a predictor variable and the correlation between the predictor variable and the criterion are known. This paper extends this procedure to the case where parameters are not known. (Author/JKS)

Briefly describes a program used in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri. (JM)

Thirty states which administer criterion-referenced tests to students with visual impairments were surveyed to determine types of accommodations they allowed in their testing programs. The survey addressed aspects of the test setting, test scheduling, test directions, test format, answer mode, and mechanical and nonmechanical aids. (Author/JDD)

Presents simplified methods for deriving estimates of the consistency of criterion-referenced, English-as-a-Second-Language tests, including (1) the threshold loss agreement approach using agreement or kappa coefficients, (2) the squared-error loss agreement approach using the phi(lambda) dependability approach, and (3) the domain score…

Reflection by 15 nurses in the Regents College Nursing Program, an external degree program based on four criterion-referenced tests, uncovered motivations for selecting the program, clarified such needs as support networks and learning resources, and revealed a pervasive pattern of stress that affected exam preparation and performance. (SK)

Proposes a hierarchical item response theory (IRT) model for mastery classification in criterion-referenced measurement. In this model, items measuring the same criterion are grouped, and a difficulty and discrimination parameter for the criterion is estimated on the same scale as the person and item parameters. Illustrates the model with a test…

Standards-based score reports interpret test performance with reference to cut scores defining categories like "below basic," "proficient," or "master." This article first develops a conceptual framework for validity arguments supporting such interpretations, then presents three applications. Two of these serve to introduce new standard-setting…

Although dropout rates in virtual school courses are typically quite high, some virtual programs have very low course dropout and failure rates and better passing rates on key criterion tests (e.g., AP tests) than do traditional school programs. Directors of five successful virtual schools agreed to share their "formulas for success" in…

Designed to provide a criterion referenced measurement of CVC (consonant vowel consonant) word patterns, this test consists of six subtests of 152 items prepared as slides for projection. Items are to be presented to the subjects on two separate occasions. (This document is one of those reviewed in The Research Instruments Project (TRIP) monograph…

The Tribal American Consulting Corporation (TACC) has been working toward development of both a special educational program for preschool Native American children in Los Angeles and a suitable evaluation program for these urban Indian children. (JC)