Examines the predictive validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test and high school achievement when predicting college freshmen grades. Results show that females are more predictable than males and the ability to predict college grades from these two variables seems to be decreasing. (Author/DEP)

This paper is concerned with the norm-referenced, standardized achievement, aptitude, and intelligence tests that are being administered to elementary and secondary school children in our schools today. Why do school systems continue the use of standardized tests despite all the abuse being heaped on the practice? (Author)

This research examines whether instruction in test wiseness would result in higher test scores, using both standardized and specially constructed tests as criterion measures. (Author/RK)

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The performance of first-professional-year pharmacy students was compared to their PCAT performance of prepharmacy students. The value of the PCAT was found to lie in those portions of it that are directly related to the coursework in which a student is enrolled, especially when there is a performance level within a class that is directly…

Concentrates on three questions: Who are the current critics of standardized testing? What are their persistent criticisms and concerns? Which of these criticisms appear to be valid, which have some validity, and which appear to be irrational? (Author/IRT)

To more easily distinguish patterns of reading and spelling errors, two parallel, standardized reading and spelling forms were designed (based on E. Boder's work) and used to test two groups of children: 34 children from regular fifth-grade classes, and 18 fourth- to sixth-grade children diagnosed as retarded readers. (Author)

Discusses how standardized testing relates to curriculum content, the cognitive processes used in testing, learning from tests, and factors influencing test results. Focuses on testing in art education and the implications that it has for making art education part of the core curriculum. (AEM)

Information on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, a major revision of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, covers authors, publisher, prices, copyright dates and revisions, groups for whom the instrument is intended, forms, purpose and recommended use, dimensions measured, administration, data summation, score interpretation, test…

Concludes that the instrument reviewed is a carefully designed test incorporating a new interpretation of standardization and improved definitions of traditional reading levels. (FL)

Comparison of the scores of 342 third-year medical students on the National Board of Medical Examiners subject examination and the Part II subtest on obstetrics-gynecology found significantly better performance on the former, suggesting a need to interpret the scores differently. (Author/MSE)

This discussion of proposed legislation in Congress regarding a national, standardized "Test for Academic Excellence" considers both its pros (lack of standards, incentives for excellence) and its cons (curriculum variations, funding, scoring). (CB)

This study assessed the effects of an intensive 64-hour Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) coaching program on urban, gifted students' test scores. Ninety-seven students participated in the summer coaching program; 47 formed the comparison group. Results are discussed and analyzed. (JL)

Offers an argument against increased emphasis on testing, claiming that reading and writing can never be tested because the conception of reading and writing inherent in tests is faulty. Suggests alternatives that are congruent with a more adequate conception of reading and writing. (SR)

Points out that sound assessment programs should (1) be a part of instruction, (2) use varied methods and instruments, (3) focus on a broad range of skills and knowledge, (4) occur continuously, (5) occur in a variety of contexts, and (6) be appropriate for age and level of development. Offers examples of practices based on these points. (FL)