The decline in test scores is demonstrated to be a result of changing philosophical attitudes toward tests and learning. It is suggested that traditional standardized tests may no longer be appropriate. (JMF)

Cree and Ojobwa children (N=100) ages 6-15, were administered the WISC. The mean Performance IQ (PIQ) was in the normal range at all ages; the Verbal IQ (VIQ) was in the mentally deficient or dull-normal range. A comparison of Indian IQ norms with original WISC normative data is given. (Author)

The relationship between an instrument's quality and the frequency of its use in federally funded educational research in 1975 was examined. Highly rated tests were found to be used more frequently, especially achievement, vocational, and intelligence tests. Highly rated reading and personality tests, however, were not used more often. (Author/MV)

A comparison of two forms of the College Entrance Examination Board's (CEEB) English Composition Test with four rhetoric final examinations in a basic English composition course indicated that the CEEB was more stable and yielded better item statistics while departmental examinations were more highly related to course grade. (Editor/JT)

This article examines what types of language tests are suitable in evaluating instructional programs in testing for educational accountability. Norm-referenced measurements are found unsuitable for this purpose; new, criterion-referenced tests must be developed. (CHK)

The content validity of four reading achievement tests was evaluated with respect to third and fourth grade levels of the Pathfinder Allyn and Bacon Reading Program, using 29 third and 34 fourth graders. Instruments evaluated included subtests of the California Achievement Tests, Metropolitan Achievement Tests, Peabody Individual Achievement Test,…

Describes a method for making standardized test results more useful for teachers, administrators, school board members, and parents by providing information on the test content actually mastered by the student and on the student's individual development over time, as well as providing traditional numerical and norm-referenced scores. (PGD)

Presents approaches to test development analysis, reliability, and validity based on criterion-referenced measurement principles and compares them with norm-referenced approaches in terms of the types of decisions that result from either approach. This is done by using data from an English-as-a-second-language achievement testing project at the…

Discusses norm referenced and criterion referenced standardized intelligence and achievement tests. Suggests a moritorium on all such tests as advocated and alternatives for assessment such as interviewing parents, children and teachers and examining children's journals and notebooks. (MS)

Test publishers have promoted their commercially available, norm-referenced achievement tests as viable solutions to assessment challenges faced by states. They argue that their tests are developed professionally, and, therefore, possess sound psychometric properties not often found in state-specific efforts. This study compared judgments from two…

Articles in this issue vary widely in method, content, and sample size, but come together to produce a valuable collection of knowledge about education in the Pacific Basin, with emphasis on issues of under-representation. The articles are: (1) "Effects of a Culturally Competent School-Based Intervention for At-Risk Hawaiian Students"…

In 1998, the Stanford Achievement Test Series, Ninth Edition, Form TA (Stanford 9) was administered to Virginia students in grades 4, 6, and 9 as the norm-referenced component of the Virginia State Assessment Program. As in the previous year, from 93 to 96% of Virginia's students took the Stanford 9, although the first administration was taken by…

Significantly more positive attitude toward subject matter of instruction was associated with the use of the criterion-referenced measure than with the norm-referenced measure; differences in attitude toward mode of instruction were not significant. (Author)

The author suggests that a computer program be designed which not only computes item statistics, but also provides a running commetary in English to assist teachers in their analysis of test results. (PR)