Three types of evaluation methods are discussed in terms of their use in evaluating both cognitive and affective learning in developmental programs: standardized tests; criterion-referenced tests; and naturalistic inquiries. Section I looks at the complexities of learning and the inherent difficulties in judging the quality and quantity of what is…

This study investigated the diagnostic effectiveness of the Language Assessment Tasks (LAT) in differentiating language disordered students from nonhandicapped students. LAT was administered individually to two groups of subjects (experimental and control) matched for sex, race, and birthdate (ages 9-14 years). The performances of each group of…

For many years personalization of achievement testing has been impossible in all but the simplest forms. Recently, item response theory (IRT), or latent trait theory, has emerged as a valuable tool which brings far greater flexibility to the process than had previously been possible. The single parameter Rasch Model, a mathematical model developed…

The widespread use of testing to make critical individual decisions concerning education or employment opportunities, coupled with growing vigilance by the handicapped community, may mean increased legal scrutiny regarding this type of testing. The measurement community is also aware of difficult, perhaps unresolvable psychometric problems…

This paper, using available statistics, has sought to emphasize the declining number of black teachers in U.S. public school system, even though the enrollment is becoming predominantly black. The paper places the responsibility of arresting this downward trend on the predominantly black colleges and universities, and suggests three strategies to…

About 30,000 students in Grades 1 through 12 in Jackson, Mississippi, were studied to determine the effectiveness of instruction for all major social groups represented by the student population during the 1986-87 school year. The California Achievement Test and course grades were used to obtain core data. Demographic data were obtained for…

This manual, which is provided as a resource for Illinois School Districts and which incorporates some of the materials in the Alaska Department of Education's Assessment Handbook, is designed to meet the requirements of Public Act 84-126 and to help practitioners develop student assessment plans of local usefulness. Areas covered in the…

Development of a standardized curriculum and customized test for mathematics is described. Because of the diversity of the New York City school system, a centrally-planned curriculum became a necessity for continuity and quality. The present mathematics curriculum has been in existence since 1982, and is both comprehensive and cyclical. Five…

The Native American population scores farther from the norm on standardized tests than other minority populations. Native Americans are generally believed to be culturally more different from the rest of the United States population than other minorities are in that the Native American traditional cultures are more intact. This is particularly…

The study examined associated treatment effects on State Board Examination (SBE) scores of two predominantly black nursing classes who had been exposed to different intervention methods: (1) the teaching of effective test-taking skills, and (2) a combination of that instruction with learning team methods. The SBE performance of the two groups who…

This report discussed the following questions in regard to testing, measurement and evaluation in the Indiana public schools: (1) Where are we? (2) Is "where we are" different from where we perceive we should be? (3) Do teachers feel competent in testing? (4) How are teachers' skills viewed by their "superiors," the central…

This paper reports on the relationship between English language fluency and reading achievement in California sixth grade students. The interaction between fluency and social class was examined. This interaction was found to be similar for students who spoke English only and for Spanish speakers who were fluent in English. It was diminished for…

The 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) will mark the first time that state-level comparisons will be possible with NAEP data. The 1990 data will contain, as a trial component, state-level assessments of eighth graders in mathematics. Mathematics and reading comparisons for fourth graders will be added in 1992. Statistical…

The various commercially available materials used to teach students test-taking skills offer contradictory advice on the issue of whether reading passages on standardized tests should be read before or after the corresponding test items. This study examined the effects on reading comprehension scores of training 606 urban fourth graders to use one…

This study reviewed the context of and activities involved in state-level evaluation of elementary/secondary art education in Minnesota. Four main areas reviewed include: (1) legislation impacting all state-level assessment decisions; (2) curriculum development initiatives as they relate to assessment; (3) a specific state-level assessment…