Testing can serve an important function in the selective admissions process, but the emphasis should be shifted from measurement to assessment of learning, from people evaluation to program evaluation, and from a concern with aptitude to a concern with accomplishment. Such changes would help testing improve teaching and learning. (Author/JMD)

Presents a historical look at the debate over President Clinton's proposal to develop voluntary national tests for the nation's public school students, describing education standards over the past 15 years and examining the current controversy over national testing. The paper recommends that parents familiarize themselves with national testing…

The President's proposal for national testing of public school students may be a bad idea that leaves locals and parents out of important decisions. The paper notes that most standardized tests have serious limitations and recommends compromising by balancing parental rights, state control, and independent authority of teachers to create schools…

A study investigated the determinants affecting the number of out-of-state students coming to New York colleges and universities. The analysis, based on 1986 New York migration data, provides evidence that student migrants' home state characteristics (education policies, test scores, per capita income, admission rate, age cohort size, geographic…

This study drew on survey data from 121 urban middle school students to define features of homework management. Findings indicated that arranging the environment and controlling emotions related systematically to family help with homework. Homework management indices were unrelated to standardized achievement test scores. Findings generated…

Describes studies involving students sponsored by A Better Chance, Inc. (ABC), a nonprofit search and referral service that identifies and places talented minority inner-city children. Results indicate that standardized tests do not necessarily predict ABC student success, and that ABC students can be productively directed toward mathematics and…

The accuracy with which expert systems (ESs) score a new nonmultiple-choice free-response test item was investigated, using 734 high school students who were administered an advanced-placement computer science examination. ESs produced scores for 82 percent to 95 percent of the responses and displayed high agreement with a human reader on the…

Examines the effect of unionization on high school economics teacher productivity measured by student performance on the Test of Economic Literacy (TEL). Finds that students in unionized school districts scored higher relative to students in nonunionized districts. Suggests these findings have implications for resource allocation. Includes tables…

Using data from the National Assessment of Economic Education Survey, investigates how goal agreement between student and teacher influenced students' attitudes and desire to study more economics. Likens students to consumers and suggests course content should reflect student preference. Method for statistical model is appended. (CH)

Examines the use of a specific form of short-term grouping of students based on an information-referenced criterion for selection. This technology-based system is proposed as an alternative to grouping, which in many inner-city schools becomes de facto tracking. Summarizes advantages of information- over norm-referenced testing. (AF)

Examines the impact of multiple skills assistance on preservice teachers preparing for standardized tests. Finds significant gains in reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Demonstrates that a single comprehensive skills laboratory operated by a differentiated staff is a sensible method of procuring appropriate intervention for future teachers.…

Argues that standardized testing undermines creativity and individuality. Contends that standardized testing has more to do with control of education than excellence, and discusses the impact of the National Assessment of Educational Progress on educational control. Maintains that flexible, alternative testing can evaluate student performance…

Results of a 1987 report indicating that elementary students of all states were above the national average are assessed. Issues addressed include teaching for standardized tests, the effect of teaching on national norms, and alternatives available to protect the integrity of instruction and the validity of normed test scores. (TJH)

Describes an alternative method of placing students in reading groups which reduces reliance on achievement tests, yet remains manageable enough for large groups of students. Describes the six formal and informal measures used in placement: achievement test scores, IQ scores, attitude scores, current placement, grade in reading, and teacher…

Limitations in standardized test use with Hispanic students are summarized and recent research developments supporting use of testing and assessment as tools for promoting learning are examined. Assisted performance and dynamic assessment are discussed in the context of individual education plans and a test-train-test cycle. (Author/MSE)