This paper presents a rationale for adopting the new form of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales for use with gifted children, based on its more recent norms, its factorial structure, its less restrictive emphasis on g-factor intelligence and verbal reasoning, and its evenness in content from one age to another. (JDD)

Teachers and support personnel (n=38) were asked to use an eight-item Likert-type survey to rate one of three assessment packages for students with severe to profound multiple disabilities: standardized, functional-ecological, and a combined package. The functional-ecological approach was perceived to be most beneficial for educational…

Criticizes calls for national competency testing for Canadian students. Argues that thinking skills are too complex, and standardized tests too simplistic, for such tests to be valuable. Points out that testing alone does not improve education. Examines why standardized tests are appealing. Concludes that the tests are useful if their limits are…

Discusses current interest in a standard national curriculum and standardized testing, including national teacher standards, flexibility on the local level, choice of textbooks, governance, and costs. Cites foreign examples and describes organizations already active in the movement. (DM)

Notes that ample evidence exists that standardized tests may not adequately reflect student achievement and may be harmful to the educational process and student development, especially for young children. Presents developmentally appropriate alternatives that are available for use in the classroom and on district and state levels. (Author)

Research shows a significant positive relationship between student test readiness instruction and test score gains. Teaching test-taking techniques lead to more accurate and valid test scores. Discusses elements of a test readiness curriculum for rural schools. (KS)

Uses a large, national, random sample of elementary school students to determine the effects of classroom racial composition and classmates' ability on African-American students' performance on standardized tests for mathematics and reading. On balance, African-American students do not benefit enough from higher classmate achievement levels to…

A method is outlined for analysis of the shape of an individual profile of scores on a standardized test battery. The method uses a simultaneous test procedure allowing for an overall test of profile flatness, with follow-up tests on all contrasts of interest. (SLD)

Examines whether literacy assignments included characteristics that foster student learning and motivation. Interviews six elementary school teachers and their principal. Finds that accountability pressures to increase standardized test scores strongly influenced reading and language arts instruction. Finds that students seldom completed classwork…

A culture of testing permeates schools. Many teachers cannot separate instruction/instructional improvement from outcome measures designed for accountability. The article discusses the effects of standardized testing and examines a study of teachers' beliefs and practices concerning reading comprehension instruction that indicates accountability…

Examines the appropriateness of using the ABC Inventory and the Developing Skills Checklists to identify or label kindergartners for special education assistance. Data were collected on 92 subjects, including participants in a special instructional assistance program and a comparison group. Findings indicate that using either test for identifying…

A study examined the appropriateness of two methods for relating the enhanced American College Testing Program (ACT) Assessment Composite and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) total scores: equipercentile concordance and regression. Study results, potential inaccuracies, and the usefulness of institutional concordances based on their own data are…

This study reports the development of a normative profile typology for showing what types of score patterns are commonplace in the standardization sample of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. A final solution of five core profile types was identified. Methods of testing a child's profile for uniqueness are given. (Author/DB)

The school of medicine of the University of Missouri--Kansas City developed the Quarterly Profile Examination, a schoolwide, longitudinal comprehensive examination of knowledge acquisition and retention, to satisfy internal and external requirements for assessment. The system is seen as effective in fostering problem-based and independent learning…

Examines assumptions and premises of standardized tests of mental ability and reviews extant theories and research on intellectual functioning of children from culturally different backgrounds. Discusses implications of these issues and perspectives for new directions for intellectual assessment for children from culturally different backgrounds.…