Argues that we must become critical thinkers about critical thinking. Issues addressed include: (1) knowledge vs. information; (2) substance vs. form; (3) learning and meaning making; (4) affective and cognitive engagement; (5) cultural pluralism and a community of learners; and (6) accountability and assessment. (SR)

Since intensive preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test can positively effect scores, coaching and tutoring centers are springing up to serve mainly middle class clients. This article describes a Northeastern University (Boston) model to counter this inequity by preparing Boston innercity students for the test. (MLH)

Reviews 12 studies to determine whether coaching improves student performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). While results are mixed, evidence suggests that coaching does not appreciably improve students' verbal or math scores. Factors such as test reliability and weighting SAT scores with high school records should be considered. Includes…

This article supports Edward Haertel's views on inappropriate use of student test scores in evaluating teachers. Tests scores may identify a few incompetent teachers, but may bring new ailments to schools. The article argues that even the system proposed by Haertal may become subject to abuse by mechanistic or autocratic administrative practices.…

Advocating individualized instruction, this article provides a model for conducting research on individual student differences which teachers actually recognize and use to modify their instruction. Provides examples of how teachers accommodate individual differences in middle and junior high school classrooms. (JDH)

Two groups of nursing students were taught test taking skills, and one group was also taught learning team methods. Using scores on the State Board Examination, comparisons were made between the two groups and a control group. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Normal Curve Equivalents (NCEs), a new score system for standardized tests, are used by school districts in reporting results to federal funding agencies. The author uses a quiz format to answer questions on the use of NCE scores. (EGS)

Small family size has a number of apparently positive effects on a child's intellectual development. Discusses trends in Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores which strongly parallel changes in American family size. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores also reflect family size and parent education level; larger families correlate with lower IQs. (DH)

Administrators can improve the test scores at their schools by working with teachers so that they understand the purpose of the testing and by developing a plan for communicating with parents and the community about the testing program. (MLF)

Six recently published language tests are examined in terms of theoretical models, choice of subtests, test format, reliability, norming population, and reporting scores. The tests are the Screening Test of Adolescent Language, the Word Test, the Test of Language Development-Intermediate, the Fullerton Language Tests for Adolescents, Clinical…

The study involving 33 children referred to school psychologists compared the Bender Gestalt and the Minnesota Perceptual Diagnostic Test-Revised (MPDT-R) in ability to predict intellectual and academic performance as measured by standardized tests. Factor analysis suggested that the MPDT-R provides unique information concerning…

Argues that IQ tests work only for some people some of the time. Offers a theory that emphasizes the roles in intelligence of information-processing, the environmental context, and coping with novelty and automatization of task performance, as a possibility for improving levels of prediction. (CMG)

The impact which standardized mathematics tests have upon classroom instruction--content, sequence, pacing--is explored, and harmful consequences are discussed. Four suggestions are offered for enabling teachers to minimize "teaching for the tests" and to present a mathematics curriculum appropriate for their particular students. (DG)

Examined psychometric properties of a standardization simulation in treatment planning to determine its potential as a performance-based assessment of clinical problem-solving skills. The Written Treatment Planning Simulation was tested on 34 counselors and 34 trainees. Results provided initial validation. (JAC)

Two college of education experts present a system which trains university students to administer and interpret standardized tests such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), thus easing time demands upon their instructors. (JN)