The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) was administered to 175 Navajo children at 2 reservation elementary schools. Local normative information was developed to reduce test bias associated with the English-laden content in the test. A procedure was developed for converting WISC-III scores, enabling comparison of…

Asserts that closing the racial achievement gap does not necessarily require more competition and choice, but does require that educational objectives are clearly defined, practices adequately aligned, and evaluations based on long-term effectiveness. Highlights the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), discussing sociological and historical…

This study examined 1993-94 Maine Educational Assessment data to determine factors related to fourth-grade students' health knowledge scores. Results indicated that students' overall ability, community factors, and teachers' perceptions about program quality related strongly to health achievement. Any (versus no) health education affected health…

Despite educators' well-founded misgivings about standardized multiple-choice testing, this practice is firmly entrenched in American life. One of educators' major responsibilities is preparing students to make wise choices in school and the "real world." With college and career opportunities hinging on standardized test scores, schools are…

Examines school performance across three grades on both individually administered reading tests and state-mandated standardized tests between students of a Success for All (SFA) program and controls. Results show more positive effects for SFA students, some decline in effects over time, and greater effects for minority than for nonminority…

Reflects on the balancing act among the methodological, practical, and political forces in the arts that affect evaluation, focusing on evaluations of systemic reform. Discusses the meaning of systemic reform and the special requirements added when the arts are the main force behind the education changes. Offers an illustration. (CMK)

Proposes the need for a scholarship on teacher education that emphasizes the unequal power relations between dominant Anglo research and policy establishment and the diverse, often disempowered communities being studied, suggesting the utility of key constructs like additive schooling and culturally relevant pedagogy to guide a refashioning of…

A study investigated the predictive capacity of (1) the scores on Australian standardized tests, taken on leaving high school and used as medical school entrance criterion, (2) academic subjects taken in the last year of secondary school, (3) gender, and (4) public vs. private schooling. Subjects and test scores correlated with performance. (MSE)

This article discusses cultural and linguistic biases and distortions present in standardized tests and offers explanations and suggestions on modifying or eliminating them. Key cultural concepts and linguistic differences are described to assist evaluators in assessing East Asian students appropriately and fairly. Several commonly used tests are…

A study of 26 college seniors used introspective and retrospective interviewing to assess cognitive processes used during multiple-choice reading comprehension tests. Categories of processing identified included an overall approach to the test task, reading strategies, and test-taking strategies. (TJH)

Evaluates whether the "Degrees of Reading Power" reading achievement test (1) is a testing and teaching tool; (2) is a valid reading assessment; (3) should be used for third grade; and (4) correlates with other reading tests. Questions whether the test's Readability Report information really reflects test scores. (SR)

Examines the degree to which a set of neuropsychological, organismic, school achievement, and ethnic identity variables correlated with Bannatyne pattern groupings for a selected sample of 100 right-handed Black 12- and 13-year olds. Finds a possible relationship between Bannatyne pattern categories, gender, and certain types of brain functions.…

The following factors impinge on the enrollment and success of Blacks in professional and graduate schools: (1) lack of aggressive recruiting; (2) lack of preparation for standardized tests; (3) inadequate secondary school preparation; (4) lack of mentoring; (5) decreased financial aid; and (6) a decline in Black faculty. Factors that enhance…

Reviews the findings of a Maryland study concerning the effects of gender and race on mathematics achievement. Cites parental and teacher attitudes as major factors in student achievement. Discusses the differences between girls' and boys' performance on standardized tests. (CW)

The nature of admissions tests and their intended uses are reviewed. Evidence regarding the validity of tests, their contributions to admissions decisions, the effects of coaching, and possible bias in the predictive meaning of test scores for women and minorities are discussed. (Author/SLD)