Standardized tests are merely a place to begin evaluation. As an alternative, criterion-referenced measures offer more specific information. The end point of assessment must involve diagnostic teaching and continuous evaluation of real-life task and setting modifications. (Author/CP)

The Faculty Beliefs about Grades Inventory, a three-scale instrument, was developed to measure faculty beliefs about norm- and criterion-referenced grading and attitudes toward the sorting and selection functions of grades. Results with 243 college faculty members show high negative correlation between attitudes about norm-referenced and…

Analyzes the current state of mathematics assessment as applied to individuals with learning disabilities. An overview of the development of mathematics assessment is provided and specific strategies for conducting math evaluations are described, including portfolios, criterion-referenced tests, curriculum-based measurement, observations, and…

The Passage Comprehension portion of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests-Revised/NU was administered to 63 adolescents. Protocols were rescored using the following ceiling criteria: five consecutive errors, five errors in six consecutive responses, and five errors in seven consecutive responses. A strong relationship was determined among scores…

This article discusses the Council for Educational Diagnostic Services' (CEDS) position on the Professionally Recognized Special Educator certificate in educational diagnosis (PRSE-ED), prior efforts to resolve the examination issue, and the need for continuation of the PRSE-ED. It concludes with a recommendation for a cost-effective,…

Describes changes in the training system at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma (CA) that improved the effectiveness and the efficiency of training. Topics discussed include the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology; the process of change; curriculum development; criterion-referenced instruction and testing; cost…

A study investigated the effects of an instructional design based on schema theory and of concept organizers on presentation of technical concepts and skill acquisition and retention in four secondary industrial arts classes. Pretest posttest and criterion-referenced test results suggested that concept organizers and schema-organized presentations…

The modified caution index's use in identifying judges whose patterns of item judgment appear aberrant when compared with the pattern produced by the entire group (N=158) of judges was studied. Effects on test standards and passing rates of removing test standards of these judges were also assessed. (TJH)

Discussion of testing methods that adequately measure the ability to perform manipulative tasks focuses on criterion-referenced performance tests (CRPT) to evaluate trainees. Topics discussed include predictive validity; physical fidelity; test construction; testing constraints; performance conditions; criteria for attainment standards; scoring…

Six methods of scoring multiple true-false items were compared in terms of reliabilities, difficulties, and discrimination. Results suggest that, for norm-referenced score interpretations, there is insufficient evidence to support any one of the methods as superior. For criterion-referenced score interpretations, effects of scoring method must be…

The feasibility of combining criterion-referenced and norm-referenced tests into a school achievement test score to be used for school effectiveness classification was studied with 361 elementary schools across 2 years and across a subsample of 264 schools. Results support combining scores of different tests to measure school effectiveness. (SLD)

It is argued that a shift from impressionistic measures of assessment to criterion-referenced measures provides a more detailed profile of the writing abilities of young adult writers. The usefulness of the Staged Assessments in Literacy (SAIL) scheme developed at the University of Manchester as a measure in multilingual settings is described. (45…

Three analysis procedures were used to study the dependability and validity of ESLPE, a criterion-referenced English-as-a-Second-Language placement test developed at the University of California at Los Angeles in 1989. Findings led to the suggestion that some students might have been differently placed if subtest scores were used for placement.(38…

Study determined test-retest reliability for 1-mile, three-quarter-mile, and half-mile distance run/walk tests for K-4 students. Students completed testing in various distance conditions. The distance run proved reliable with appropriate age/distance adjustments. Test scores were generally reliable in classifying students with regard to meeting…

Discusses the use of standardized test results as a guide to developing curriculum content. Discusses such a plan being used (and offers data gathered) at Hellgate Elementary School, Montana, as an example. (JC)