School effectiveness cannot be assessed by comparing group performances on standardized tests. Instead, each child's progress, in accordance with his or her capabilities, should be measured. Certain assessment models can help chart individuals' progress in reading and writing. Focusing on individual results enchances collective program assessment.…

Argues that measurement-driven instruction is the most cost-effective way to improve the quality of public education when high stakes tests are properly conceived and implemented. Discusses five criteria, analyzes critics' objections, and cites evidence of student improvement in seven states. Includes one table and three references. (MLH)

Contends that measurement-driven instruction (MDI) has numerous interrelated and pernicious effects on curriculum, instruction, and learning. Shows that MDI fragments, narrows, deflects, and trivializes the learning experience and furthers the teacher-dominated classroom. Successful response to a set of questions does not equal understanding.…

Counters Gerald Bracey's rejection of measurement-driven instruction (MDI), especially the latter's "cursed trinity": fragmentation, deflection, and trivialization. Points to eminently successful modes of MDI and urges educators to emulate them. (MLH)

Offers the final word on the measurement-driven instruction (MDI) debate in this "Kappan" issue. Claims that Popham's article is internally inconsistent and provides no examples of well-constructed, instructionally illuminative tests. Also lacking are teacher testimonials and evidence that MDI programs are cost-effective or oriented…

Describes a computer program which will randomly select questions and change the arrangement of answers each time the program is run, providing realistic practice for standardized test-taking. A listing of the program is provided in AppleSoft BASIC, and modifications for the IBM-PC are included. (LP)

Focuses on areas of conjugal/family structure and process that are important for assessment but for which there exist relatively few standardized tests or procedures. Hopes to stimulate researchers to develop instruments and procedures designed specifically to evaluate those aspects of marital/family process that, as yet, have not received their…

The factorial validity of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills was investigated. Hierarchical factor analysis was performed with a subset of the standardization data to explore the presence of second-order group factors. Results supported the construct validity of Language and Mathematics subscales. Verbal and Visual Information group factors were…

Current spelling assessment practices are reviewed. Six individually administered standardized tests presently available to special educators and diagnosticians are examined. Informal procedures (inventories, criterion-referenced tests, and error analysis) are analyzed in terms of advantages and disadvantages. Finally, two particularly promising…

Three standardized language assessment measures (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised, Test of Early Language Development, and the Preschool Language Scale) were individually administered to 25 nonreferred, White, middle-class preschoolers. Correlations among the three measures were statistically significant suggesting an interrelationship of…

In an investigation of the predictors of success on the dental National Board Examinations Part II, three studies were undertaken to test (1) the factual validity of a mock examination, (2) the usefulness of the mock examination as a predictor of board examination success, and (3) whether the third cross-validated the previous findings. (MSE)

A longitudinal study was conducted to determine how a comprehensive battery of tests administered in kindergarten predicted reading achievement in Grades 1-6. The test variables were reduced to six predictive factors by factor analysis that, combined with the child's sex and the parent's language, had multiple correlations with reading…

Discusses why and how to improve the performance of minority college students on standardized tests. Emphasizes the importance of providing instruction in effective test taking and reinforcing acquired skills on practice tests. (KH)

Discusses the difficulty that black education graduates experience with teacher certification exams. Describes a Southern Regional Education Board project established to train faculty in black colleges to lead faculty and curriculum development in order to improve student performance on standardized tests and to increase the pool of minority…

Formal programs of quality assurance have not characterized the field of education. There is, however, a long history of attempts to evaluate schools and to hold school personnel accountable for the education of children. Students' standardized test scores should not be regarded as a major criterion for evaluating educational quality. (RM)