A study of the use of General Educational Development (GED) Test scores for community college English and reading course placement found that the scores were adequate enough predictors of success to be used for that purpose, eliminating the need for additional costly testing. (MSE)

Applied research suggests that learning-disabled students can benefit from training in test-taking skills to improve their performance on both standardized tests and content area tests. Recommendations for classroom applications enumerate which skills are most important for objective, short answer, and essay question tests and suggest appropriate…

In many of the 40 states where assessment is required by state law or policy, faculty members and administrators have shaped assessment programs so that colleges have the flexibility to use several kinds of measurements, not just tests. Some of the political controversy brought about by assessment requirements are described. (MLW)

A study examining how the Medical College Admission Test's (MCAT) ability to predict early medical school performance differed for students from different undergraduate institutions raised questions about the use of the MCAT for admissions decisions. (MSE)

A taxonomic matrix classification was used to assess the curricular validity of the Stanford Achievement Tests for the mathematics textbooks used in a school district's fifth and sixth grades. Rasch item difficulty was also examined. Results indicated only small differences between textbooks. (GDC)

The assessment of mental ability in Chicago Public Schools has been changed. The changes are because of the disproportionate number of Black children who were assigned to mentally handicapped classes. Placement decisions are now made by multidisciplinary panels which consider the total child not just the outcomes of prior learning. (VM)

Claims tests in this country have become political weapons instead of tools designed to assess the value and progress of current curricula. Calls for teachers to take charge of the tools (tests) to use them for the benefit of their students. (NH)

Defines curriculum as a written organizational plan used for conscious decisionmaking to enhance student achievement and promote responsible social behavior. All written plans for Red Bank (New Jersey) Schools, including testing, scheduling, and budgeting, become part of this curriculum. Workable plans need a sound structure and constant revision.…

Linear conversions were developed relating scores on recent forms of the Graduate Record Examinations. Conversions based on specially selected subpopulations were compared with total-group conversions and evaluated. Conclusions indicated that the data clearly support the assumption of population independence for homogenoeous tests, but not quite…

One-year and overall national trends in the scores of college-bound high school students on the American College Testing Program's (ACT) college entrance examination and on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are examined, and data on the ACT subtest score trends by sex and race and on the SAT subtest score trends by state are presented. (MSE)

Tests producing results that are used to make important decisions about students, schools, and curricula should not be developed locally by teachers. Although district educators at all levels need to become familiar with measurement nuances, the development of high stakes tests is best left to measurement professionals. Includes four references.…

A study correlating Nelson-Denny Reading Test scores with American College Testing Program Assessments (ACT) indicates that reading skill can be predicted accurately from the ACT social studies reading and English usage subtests. (MSE)

The determinants of Scholastic Aptitude Test scores are estimated for 1982 in a regression analysis correcting for the proportion of students taking the test. Schooling variables and statewide graduation standards proved insignificant. Demographic variables (family size and education levels) proved significant and help explain SAT score decline in…

As the use of competency testing of teachers has increased, the issue of the effect of standardized testing on minority groups at all educational levels has resurfaced. Several programs designed to raise standards and increase test scores are described. (MT)

This study reexamines results reported by Angoff and Schrader regarding formula directions and rights directions for standardized tests. Methodological concerns are discussed and additional data analyses undertaken. Alternative interpretations of the data and suggestions for additional research are proposed. (Author/LMO)