Nearly as many black students now take the American College Testing Program (ACT) college admission test as sign up for the competing Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). In common with the SAT, the scoring gap between blacks and whites is widening. Almost no Blacks score at the very highest level of ACT performance, which is generally necessary to…

Makes suggestions for standards-based test development with regard to true-false items and multiple choice tests. Provides examples for multiple choice test items. (YDS)

The notion of "linguistic profile" as an alternative to standardized testing for speech and language disorders is discussed in this tutorial. Two specific examples of profiles, both for disordered phonology, are described, and readers are guided through their use. Finally, their relative strengths and weaknesses are assessed. (Author/CR)

Compares secondary and junior schools' influence on (British) 16 year-olds' performance on the General Certificate in Secondary Education examination. Presents a mathematical model to explain performance variations, using a cohort of 758 students in 48 junior schools and 116 secondary schools. There is a strong continuity of junior school effects…

Considers why ethnically diverse students' test performance belie their intellectual capacity. Notes that much can be done at the classroom level to eradicate this achievement gap and customize "one size fits all" standards-based instruction. Interviews two teachers who work in states where high-stakes testing dominates the educational debate. (SG)

Analyzes students' achievement in earth science on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat (TIMSS-R) which was given in 1999 with 38 nations participating. Compares Korean 8th grade students' achievement in earth science with those of other countries and other content areas in science. Presents the results of item analysis and…

Argues that reading comprehension is better measured in performance contexts than in decontextualized standardized tests (especially for the nonhearing) and that dialogue journal writing is a better method of testing reading comprehension. Five types of comprehension can be isolated in journals: propositions, questions, inferential messages,…

Data used in a major review of the system for reporting scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) are presented and discussed. The data demonstrated the value of the current score-reporting system and led to retention of the 15-point MCAT score scale in 1991. (Author/MSE)

Conducted survey of community-based counselors (N=743) to determine standardized test use for individual appraisal. Explored kinds of tests used, educational level of test user, and respondents' perceptions of importance of appraisal. Found bare majority used test instruments; Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory used most; and fewer than…

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a measure of an individual student's potential for success in college. Discusses limitations of the test and how misconceptions can prompt educators and community members to focus on the wrong goals. (MLF)

The literature on the use of standardized patients, lay persons trained to portray a particular patient, is reviewed, focusing on their use in medical education and potential applications in dental education. A test of 80 dental students using standardized patients is also described and evaluated. (MSE)

Presents results of a 50-state survey in the form of a matrix depicting state certification criteria for technology education teachers, standardized examinations, certification categories, university credits, renewal requirements, and accrediting bodies. Considers the lack of consensus across states a hindrance to the development of the…

Examines seven criticisms of standardized achievement tests, including their failure to promote student learning, predict individual students' performance, and match test content with curriculum content. However, a teacher's insights into her students' learning, combined with properly interpreted standardized test results, can provide a balanced…

Discusses curtailing the misuse and misinterpretation of standardized tests, and suggests ways to improve existing tests while reviewing the Test of Early Reading Ability-2, Tests of Reading Comprehension, and Effective Reading Tests. (MG)

Presents an interview with Jerry L. Johns. Discusses topics related to reading assessment, standardized tests and test-wiseness, the format and content of reading assessment measures, informal reading inventories, and portfolio assessment. (RS)