A comparative study of students' scores in mechanics and usage on standardized tests and ratings of actual writing samples. (DD)

Evaluated were the psychosocial functioning levels of a group of 144 chronically ill (diabetic, asthmatic, cystic fibrotic, and hearing-impaired) children (5 to 19 years old) across a battery of standardized personality instruments. (Author)

Data from First in the World Consortium (group of 20 suburban school districts that paid to have students take the Third International Mathematics and Science Study tests) and TIMSS dispel pervasive myth that only 1% of American students score as well in math as average Japanese student. Before copying Asia, American educators should examine…

Examines school counselors' perceptions of selected tests and of the need for school counselors-in-training to receive instruction about selected tests. Results suggest that school counselors recognize the usefulness of a wide variety of standardized assessment instruments, use tests that draw on their knowledge, and want additional training. (RJM)

Examined mothers' accuracy in predicting the responses their children gave and the scores they achieved on two standardized vocabulary tests. Findings indicate that the overall estimates by mothers of language-impaired children were more accurate than those by mothers of language-normal children. (28 references) (Author/CK)

Reading and math achievement subtest scores on several standard achievement tests were compared for 233 students with mental retardation. Correlations were generally moderate among subtests purporting to measure similar constructs. Significant mean differences were present for five of seven reading test comparisons and for six of eight math…

Most student performance studies using the production function or input-output approach do not consider student attendance as an independent variable. Data from Baltimore County public elementary schools indicate that student attendance positively and consistently correlates to standardized achievement test performance. Student socioeconomic…

Reflects on a long career concerning teaching and testing at the secondary and college level. Talks about the relationship between secondary school testing and preparation, college entrance standards, and trends in college course organization and testing. (TB)

Examined the efficacy of an ACT-based merit index in predicting undergraduate college students' first-to-second-year retention. Results indicated that the ACT-index, although a significant predictor of retention, failed to predict retention as well as the more traditional ACT-Composite score. Evidence did indicate, however, that further…

Examines the increasing pressure exerted on high schools to ensure adequate preparation for college, pressure exerted above all by state-mandated tests. Notes that hopes of coping with such pressure rest on understanding its source. Concludes that collaborative ventures between colleges and high schools can transcend a fixation on state mandates…

Determines whether postsecondary students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) experienced a differential increase in end-of-term grades when they used academic accommodations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, with verbal Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores serving as a baseline predictor.…

Discusses current high-stakes standardized testing policy in response to G. Cizek through analogy with the policies of Chairman Mao in China and the decision to build the Maginot Line in France after World War I. Lessons from these events show that high-stakes policies skew outcomes and present high risk. (SLD)

Although G. Cizek's article balances positive consequences for high-stakes testing against anti-testing criticisms, there is no evidence that high-stakes testing per se has substantial positive consequences. There is, however, optimism that aligned educational systems with testing as a component may lead to higher levels of student achievement.…

Responds to critiques of an earlier article on the unintended consequences of high-stakes testing. Reiterates the need to look for positive as well as negative consequences of high stakes testing and calls for balance between the role of large-scale assessment in identifying achievement deficits and the responsibility educational systems have to…

Federal law mandates regular testing of students' reading and mathematics achievement. There is no guarantee that the law's strict accountability provisions will promote student achievement. States must design their accountability systems to prevent unintended negative results. Discusses likely effects of the law, describing steps states can take…