Transformed item difficulties, chi-square, item characteristic curve (icc) theory and factor score techniques were evaluated as approaches for the identification of biased test items. The study was implemented to determine whether the approaches would provide identical classifications of items as to degree of aberrance for culturally different…

O'Brien's research on Prescriptive Test Theory was replicated, using a survey of basic skills in mathematics taught in Singapore. The feasibility of using Prescriptive Test Theory on a large scale basis was investigated. Instruments used in the study were given in Appendix II (pp. 71-87). (LMO)

A norm-referenced achievement test, in combination with supplementary items, can be used to produce norm-referenced data as well as objective-referenced data. The experiences of the Palm Beach County (Florida) school district in developing and using such a test are described. (EGS)

Provides guidelines for teachers writing machine-scored examinations. Explains the use of item analysis (discrimination index) to single test items that should be improved or eliminated. Discusses validity and reliability of classroom achievement tests in contrast to norm-referenced examinations. (JHZ)

LEAP 21 (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program for the 21st Century) is an integral part of the Louisiana school and district accountability system. In the school year 1999-2000, students in Grade 8 took LEAP 21 English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies tests. For LEAP 21, student scores are reported in terms of five…

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) measured mathematics and science achievement of middle school students in more than 40 countries. About one quarter of the tests' nearly 300 items were free response items requiring students to generate their own answers. Scoring these responses used a two-digit diagnostic code rubric…

This curriculum guide provides resources that teachers and trainers can use to help learners improve their ability to apply mathematical problem-solving skills in the workplace. The instructional strategies and practice problems in the guide are patterned after those of the American College Testing (ACT) Work Keys System. Gains in skill levels can…

This curriculum guide contains teacher and student materials for a course on outboard-engine boat systems for power product equipment technician occupations. The course contains the following three units of instruction: (1) Orientation to Outboard-Engine Boat Systems and Rigging; (2) Trailers and Safe Towing and Boat Operation; and (3) Seasonal…

Beginning in Spring 1998, Virginia students participated in the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments designed to test student knowledge of the content and skills specified in the state's standards. This document contains questions that approximately 79,000 students in grade 8 were required to answer as part of the SOL assessments. These…

This research attempted to interrelate several methods of producing option weights (i.e., Guttman internal and external weights and judges' weights) and examined their effects on reliability and on concurrent, predictive, and face validity. It was concluded that option weighting offered limited, if any, improvement over unit weighting. (Author/CTM)

To measure the development of formal thought, as defined by Piaget and Peel, separate tests on judgment, creativity, concept formation and concept attainment were administered to 1,710 subjects, ages eight to adult. (CP)

Uses clinical cases taken from the medical or dental literature for examination of understanding certain aspects of the dental profession. Formulates questions derived from data presented in the case or attempts to present broad principles. Includes 15 example test questions. (MVL)

The relationship between gender and performance on mathematics items varying in level of cognitive complexity and content was assessed, using 1,789 female and 1,951 male Thai adolescents and 2,040 female and 1,884 male American adolescents. Data suggest that performance relative to both cognitive complexity and content is related to gender. (TJH)

Gender differences in English proficiency as a function of testing method were examined by comparing the scores of a representative sample of Swedish secondary school students who took the national English test. It found that boys performed better than girls on the multiple-choice part, whereas girls did better on the free-response part that…

The extent to which findings from research on teacher effectiveness are represented on the National Teacher Examination Test of Professional Knowledge was studied through Delphi investigations. Phase I identified and rated seven research reviews. Phase II--with 12 panelists--examined the relationship of test items to research findings from 1…