Criterion-referenced tests were used to measure the learning and retention of a sample of material taught by means of programed instruction in the Avionics Fundamentals Course, Class A. It was found that the students knew about 30 percent of the material before reading the programs, that mastery rose to a very high level on the immediate posttest,…

The development of a prototype computerized, criterion-referenced test of certain nonperformance musical behaviors for administration to entering students in music education at a state university was undertaken. After the formulation of statements of competencies to serve as conceptual bases for the formulation of test items, items were…

Procedures for establishing standards and determining the number of items needed in criterion-referenced measures are reviewed. The discussion of setting a passing score is organized around five factors: performance of others, item content, educational consequences, psychological and financial costs, and measurement error. Classical test theory,…

Principles are established for reaching valid decisions as to whether evaluative judgments should be norm referenced or criterion referenced. A set of decision rules is presented, in flow chart form, to serve as a guide to the decision-making process. The use of these decision rules is illustrated for a variety of practical situations. The…

The investigation reported in this paper uses a method of mapping the course. This mapping method presents the course in a compact visual form. Criterion-referenced test items are drawn up using a less sophisticated method. The parts of the course which would predict good learning from the mapping are checked against the performance on items and…

The use of setting standards for criterion-referenced tests is defended in a response to two papers by Gene Glass and Nancy Burton. (JKS)

An historical and philosophical perspective on the setting of standards for criterion-referenced testing is presented. The author suggests that performance standards are more symbolic than substantive. (JKS)

This survey indicated that participating school systems used criterion-referenced tests in their systems, but generally on a voluntary basis and in limited subject areas. (Author/AM)

Discusses the need for standardized tests in literature, compares norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests, and lists crucial background documents on the subject. (DD)

Attempts to define the relationship between learning and perception and to demonstrate the importance of cognitive readiness for learning. Describes an assessment procedure termed concept referenced testing which relates the above factors. (RK)

The state of the art of student outcome measurement is in flux. (MM)

A national census of educational quality is advocated to keep a constant check on the overall quality of American education. Why the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) cannot fill the role is explained, and specific recommendations of what should be included in the census are enumerated. (MT)

The article presents guidelines for transforming information from conventional testing into data useful in classroom instruction of exceptional students. Steps are described first for converting a norm referenced test to instructionally relevant information, and second, for applying, rescoring, and summarizing results of the criterion referenced…

This study examined the results obtained from certification applicants and practitioners on a national certification examination for clinical laboratory scientists (medical technologists), using a modified Angoff procedure to establish the cut-off score. The major question of the investigation concerned whether the cut-off score was appropriate.…

The measurement of writing offers a challenge to test developers due to controversy over the use of objective tests versus compositions. A discussion of a basic skills writing test developed in Los Angeles County offers insight into the issues of which competencies should be tested and how these competencies would be measured. (DF)