This study examined the impact of rater agreement on decisions concerning the alignment between the "Golden State Examination in High School Mathematics" (California Department of Education, 2001a) and the University of California (UC) "Statement on Competencies in Mathematics Expected of Entering College Students" (Academic…

Rapid Profile, developed by Manfred Pienemann of National Languages Institute of Australia/Language Acquisition Research Centre, is a computer-based procedure for screening speech samples collected from language learners to assess their level of language development as compared to standard patterns in the acquisition of the target language. Rapid…

Under the Improving America's Schools Act (IASA), Title I programs are evaluated using standards-based multiple measures. In California, school systems would like to use state standards for the evaluation, but state performance standards are still under development and content standards are very new. The Sacramento City Schools (California) has…

The teaching and learning of mathematics continues to generate tremendous attention, both among those who support recent innovations and, more recently, among those who question the wisdom of the promulgated reforms. In order to bring an empirical basis to this debate, it is important to gather information on the policies and practices that are…

As part of the test development process, this technical report is intended to present the technical aspects of the tryout and pilot stages of the Michigan High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) in mathematics. Part 1 introduces the purpose, the legislation, and the committees involved in the test development. Development of the mathematics assessment…

As part of the test development process, this technical report is intended to present the technical aspects of the tryout and pilot stages of the Michigan High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) in Science. Part 1 introduces the purpose, the legislation, and the committees involved in the test development. Development of the science assessment…

Growing demands for accountability and useful measurement of educational outcomes have contributed to increasing efforts to develop or refine more valid and reliable methods of educational assessment. More states are designing high-quality indicator systems for evaluation at the school, district, and state levels. Seven recommendations derived…

Since 1990, the Utah State Legislature (in House Bill 170) has required that all Utah School Districts submit an annual performance report to the State Board of Education and the Legislature by January 15th of each year. This document serves as a guide in compiling information, designing, and publishing school district performance reports.…

This pamphlet provides current information about the 1992 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in Reading. In addition to describing the purpose and goals of the NAEP, the pamphlet discusses the reasons for assessing reading, the 1992 NAEP in Reading (including recent changes), the guidelines used to create a framework for reading…

Outlining current issues of educational concern as presented in national debates, this guide provides a format for discussion. The first chapter provides introductory and background information on four major areas believed to be the main responsibility of the schools. Each of these four issues is the subject of a separate chapter. Specifically,…

The author outlines the importance of educational assessment in determining the quality of a school's educational system. A model is presented showing the three dimensions of quality educational programs and their interrelatedness. The Indicators of Quality Schools instrument, the purpose of which is to identify areas for improvement across three…

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program presents an untimed, 70-question Social Studies Test (Form 35) for grade 4 students to assess social studies skills. This document contains the test booklet only. (PN)

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program presents an untimed, 100-question Social Studies Test (Form 95) for grade 10 students to assess social studies skills. This document contains the test booklet only. (PN)

Comments on the concepts and practices of assessing a student against himself rather than against others. Lists six questions that should be considered in assessing and counseling year eleven students. (GS)

This essay identifies conceptual directions, as alternatives for development, of a model for the implementation of accountability systems in schools. In his discussion, the author draws a fundamental distinction between relatively mechanical assessments of the performance of operations and relatively qualitative evaluations of the consequences of…