This experiment sought to define a confidence limit for maximum word-recognition scores obtained from 212 young and elderly adults with confirmed cochlear hearing loss. A 95% confidence limit was found and supported through analysis, although it is suggested that, in some cases, word recognition should be measured at additional levels to obtain…

Explains and contrasts the techniques and philosophies of norm-referenced (NRT) and criterion-referenced tests (CRT). NRTs are criticized for lack of useful information and control. CRTs are usually teacher-made and customized to fit the classroom needs, offering more control over test content, but few teachers are prepared to develop them. (SM)

National School Population Fitness Survey data were reexamined to assess fitness in U.S. children and youth, comparing numbers meeting norm-referenced standards and criterion-referenced health (CRH) standards. Using CRH standards to view fitness had advantages over norm-referenced standards. Results did not indicate a decline in fitness levels.…

Examines what is measured by current testing instruments and details the components of a comprehensive assessment system that includes testing and alternative, authentic measures as the basis for judgments about student progress. Types of tests include norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, and performance-based assessments. The more accurate the…

Discussion of the assessment of students with disabilities receiving services in inclusive settings focuses on assessing for updating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and for guiding instruction. It considers the use of norm-referenced assessment, informal assessment, assessment for instruction, teacher observation and listening skills,…

Examined parents' perceptions of and satisfaction with the eligibility assessment of their 4- to 5-year-olds with special needs for special education services. Found that parents thought the activity-based assessment provided more information about their child's typical performance and functional skills, and addressed more of their concerns than…

Advocates of vouchers believe that public schools facing the threat of losing students and funding to private schools will take the measures necessary to raise student performance. Opponents worry that vouchers will actually leave public schools worse off by draining them of funds and encouraging the best students and the most involved parents to…

This study examined a model of assessment that could be applied nationally for Year Twelve Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects and which could yield both a differentiating score and recognition of competence. More than fifty colleges across all states and territories of Australia field-tested the approach over one school year. Results…

In the last few years, numerous reports have pointed to the overall lower achievement of American students in science, particularly in the physical sciences, when compared to American students of the last two decades and to students from other countries. While there is reason to believe that American elementary school children are taught less…

Designed to provide information about people's listening and reading skills, this battery of tests provides information about how well an individual or group listens or reads in comparison to the young adult population used as a norm for this assessment battery. The battery was developed for use with youth and adult populations at or above 10…

Testing models of three instructional programs (Individualized Prescribed Instruction, Program for Learning in Accordance with Needs, and Mastery Learning) are described and compared. Several important lines of research that could contribute significantly to the quality of testing and decision-making within the context of these and other…

The nature of neuropsychological assessment and its application in the school environment are discussed. Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain and nervous system affect thinking and behavior. A complete neuropsychological assessment requires gathering and analyzing information on a child's: (1) physical, social, and psychological…

Valid interpretation of test scores is the shared responsibility of the test designer and the test user. Test publishers must provide evidence of the validity of the decisions their tests are intended to support, while test users are responsible for analyzing this evidence and subsequently using the test in the manner indicated by the publisher.…

The California Achievement Test was given each Spring, 1981-1985, to all students in grades kindergarten through 11 in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. The results in reading and mathematics were interpreted in relation to: (1) national norms and point-in-time scores; (2) local students in the same grade in previous years; and (3) gain (or loss),…