The impact of missing data on estimates of gender differences in hierarchically ordered ability dimensions was studied using 13 ability tests taken by 1,224 13-year olds and 3 standardized achievement tests taken by 981 participants. Results indicate that analysis of missing data can contribute to understanding of gender differences. (SLD)

Examines the standards movement, criticizing the inappropriateness of many proposed benchmarks. Argues that national standards are a xenophobic reaction to foreign competition and serve narrow nationalistic interests, rather than the goal of developing the fullest potential of learners. (SK)

A quadratic curve test equating method for equating different test forms under a random-groups data collection design is proposed that equates the first three central moments of the test forms. When applied to real test data, the method performs as well as other equating methods. Procedures from implementing the test are described. (SLD)

Assessed the relationship between instructional practices and mathematics achievement for a national sample of 13-year-olds from Chinese Taipei from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study 1999. Found numerous significant relationships between mathematics achievement and classroom teaching practices related to introducing new…

Describes how the College Board has approved a series of changes to the controversial SAT; a writing test will be added, along with new approaches on reading and math questions. (EV)

Describes common mistakes made by young children taking standardized tests and suggests several teaching strategies that may be useful to teachers who are preparing a class to take standardized tests. Teachers need to be sure they don't add to the pressure of standardized testing by overreacting to small deeds of misbehavior or emphasizing the…

Examines the effects of testing accommodations on the mathematics test scores of a sample of fourth-grade students, which included students with disabilities (SWD) and students without disabilities (SWOD). Primary analyses indicated that SWDs experienced a larger effect in the accommodated condition than did SWODs. The SWDs profited more than…

A normative typology was developed and applied using multivariate profile analysis of subtest scores of the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT) standardization sample. The results yielded a seven-profile cluster solution for the Extended Battery, and a six-profile cluster solution for the Standard Battery. Additionally, the results lend…

A consistent finding of teachers using authentic assessment is how much they learn from the process and their students. Authentic assessment depends upon independence, mastery of content, and a willingness to engage students in real-life experiences. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/JOW)

Used data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) to look at student, classroom, and school factors influencing mathematics achievement in Australia and the United States. Found that classroom differences account for about one-third of the variation in student achievement in the United States and over one-quarter in…

Provides an approach for selecting and evaluating both group and individually administered standardized tests of reading. Reviews considerations of the quality of test development; test content; test reliability and validity; and concerns of cost and time investment. Presents sample ratings of two common instruments. (RS)

Focuses on Diagnostic Drawing Series (DDS), standardized art therapy evaluation tool that combines art therapy's attention to materials, task, and process with research methodology of social sciences. Describes DDS, its administration, and its usefulness in clinical practice in context of structural approach which can be taught effectively to…

Discusses whether scores achieved by college seniors on standardized tests such as Graduate Record Examination can express collegiate value added (knowledge, skills, and abilities added to students during undergraduate studies). Encourages professional organizations to serve as forums to arrive at consensus on how to explain efficacy of…

Describes a week of testing 28 second graders. Points out how much classroom time testing consumes, how frustrating it is for teachers, and how emotionally trying it is for young students and their families. Maintains that all children operate at different developmental levels in different skills and should not be compared to each other. (MLF)

Assessed effects of curriculum-test overlap on standardized reading test performance with 181 1st- and 2nd-grade students receiving reading instruction from MacMillan-R reading curriculum. Used two methods of quantifying curriculum-test overlap to predict patterns of students' performance across three tests. Results indicated strong and systematic…