This article is mainly concerned with a study of the relation between the content of a multiple choice test and its composition, from the point of view of those features in tests which enable the testee to derive the correct answer by studying the composition of the test itself. (Author/POP)

Details the problems involved in accurately evaluating students' skill levels and suggests a program of fundamental literacy rather than a "back to basics" movement. (KS)

Presents some specific questions that educators ought to raise about standardized tests and some alternatives to standardized tests. (Author/IRT)

Computer-based assessment appears to offer the promise of radically improving both how assessments are implemented and the quality of the information they can deliver. However, as many states consider whether to embrace this new technology, serious concerns remain about the fairness of the new systems and the readiness of states (and districts and…

The Wisconsin legislature has required the Department of Public Instruction to adopt or approve standardized tests for statewide use to measure student attainment of knowledge and concepts in grades 4, 8, and 10. Although school districts generally gave high ratings to the contents of TerraNova (McGraw Hill), the testing instrument most recently…

This book explains writing effective multiple-choice test items and studying responses to items to evaluate and improve them, two topics that are very important in the development of many cognitive tests. The chapters are: (1) "Providing a Context for Multiple-Choice Testing"; (2) "Constructed-Response and Multiple-Choice Item Formats"; (3)…

Discusses how testing and tracking affect students. Argues that grouping reinforces years of discriminatory treatment in the education of black children, locking them into classroom situations in which the stigmas and hopelessness are the same or worse than in the days of separate but unequal schools. (JF)

Compares the pattern of vocational planning choices made by black and white students as measured by the Self-Directed Search, and to determine student satisfaction with test results, using a sample of 143 black and 143 white incoming freshmen. (Author/JM)

Evidence was sought to test the claim that many young children lack the abilities prerequisite to taking standardized tests and therefore, perform poorly. Curricular materials were designed and implemented in an effort to increase the test-wiseness of children unfamiliar with standardized tests. The experimental group improved significanly after…

This article emphasizes identifying for the practitioner those qualities of situations and individuals which have been shown to have major effects on performance in testing situations. Recommendations for testing practices are made, and the dangers inherent in acceptance of test results as the sole basis for personnel decisions are pointed out.…

Suggests reading comprehension exercises, especially on lower reading levels, fail to test the pupil's understanding of the material read. (MM)