The purpose of this paper is to simultaneously optimize decision rules for combinations of elementary decisions. As a result of this approach, rules are found that make more efficient use of the data than does optimizing those decisions separately. The framework for the approach is derived from empirical Bayesian theory. To illustrate the…

This booklet describes the assessment objectives of the sixth national assessment of science by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Chapters included are: (1) "Introduction" (describing the development process for the objectives and the purpose and elements of school science); (2) "The Assessment Framework"…

This paper compares the old and new curricula of elementary mathematics and natural science in the Republic of China. This study, as the second phase of an evaluation period, tested a sample of the students while they were in the ninth grade and compared them to students who received the old curricula during their elementary studies. The data were…

Increased emphasis on public school accountability has resulted in several states including a science component in their elementary and middle school testing program. This component often includes items designed to measure process skill ability. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of high school students on four types of…

As one in a series of test item collections developed by the Assessment and Evaluation Unit of the Directorate of Studies, items are made available to teachers for the construction of unit tests or term examinations or as a basis for class discussion. Each collection was reviewed for content validity and reliability. The test items meet syllabus…

The graphics and animation capabilities of computers offer a new dimension in science testing. Instead of presenting verbal situations or questions with accompanying pictures, computers can present simulated actions and events that are the focus of science questions. The purpose of this project was to develop a valid and reliable computer-based…

Presented is a 30-item observational instrument to be used for the evaluation and description of preservice or inservice science teaching in the elementary school. Sections of the instrument include (1) use of intellectual development stages, (2) performance objectives, (3) lesson planning skills, (4) instruction sequencing, (5) question asking…

This is a condensed report of a study commissioned by the Minister's Advisory Committee on Student Achievement (MACOSA) to study student achievement in science at grades three, six, nine, and twelve in Alberta, Canada. Baseline information for future assessments and a summary of student achievement of curricular objectives were to be provided.…

Presented is a description and copy of a test manual developed to include items in the test on the basis of children's performance; each item correlated highly with performance on an external criterion. The external criterion was the Individual Competency Measures of the elementary science program Science - A Process Approach (SAPA). The test…

Describes a study of students' ability to balance equations. Answers to a test on this topic were analyzed to determine the level of understanding and processes used by the students. Presented is a method to teach this skill to high school chemistry students. (CW)

Reports on a study in which students in a first-year engineering materials class were asked to grade their own examinations, and those of others. Comparisons were then made to the same papers graded by their teachers. (TW)

Contains three articles designed to help practitioners with practical assessment for the GCSE. Articles include: "GCSE Biology Practical Assessment--Can the End Justify the Means?"; "Investigating the Effect of Catalase: GCSE Assessment Practical"; and "An Experimental Design for GCSE Physics." (CW)

Presents five problems on organic stereochemistry in the form of an open-book quiz meant for senior undergraduates and graduate students in chemistry. Provides some acceptable solutions to the problems. (TW)

Both high school and college students served as subjects for an evaluation of the effectiveness of a computer-animated test of science problem-solving skills designed to minimize problems inherent in printed tests. The test development process is reviewed, and observations and conclusions relating to screen design and human interaction factors are…

Presents (1) a list of American Chemical Society (ACS) chemistry examinations available for the 1985 testing program (including seven new tests) and (2) condensed norms for the most recent tests (including Brief Organic Chemistry Form 1984-B and High School Advanced Chemistry Form 1984-ADV). (JN)