Argues that overreliance on standardized tests contributes to the deterioration of educational standards, teacher passivity, and lack of student involvement in academic studies, thus undermining democratic education; lists several alternatives to standardized testing. (MCG)

Describes a method using age equivalents and standard scores to recreate the full range of variability in the scores of high-functioning individuals. The method allows for a more complete interpretation of performance that can lead to better educational and therapeutic programing. (Author/ABB)

Correlation between teachers' ratings of vocabulary, comprehension, mathematics, and verbal intelligence with scores from the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) plus the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) was assessed with 120 boys and 110 girls aged 8.6 to 10.5 years in Melbourne. Results indicated two discrete domains of…

Focuses on the stated purposes of reading evaluation, examines trends in the types of assessments used, and looks at some possible indicators of changes in literacy levels in the Canadian Provinces. (CRH)

The correspondence between Medical College Admission Test scores and undergraduate science grades is examined, and the role that medical college selectivity plays in moderating the relationship is explored. Data are from all applicants in the 1981-82 entering class for whom complete information was available. (MSE)

Discusses (1) perspectives from which standardized test developers, users, and interpreters must consider test results; (2) test components that affect student test performance; (3) test abuses that contribute to the shortening of tests; and (4) how educators can effect a change in the increased reliance on standardized tests. (HTH)

This article is a one-year review of available research and an appraisal of the Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-R). This instrument consistently demonstrates adequate alternate form equivalence across samples and consistently evidences significantly lower standard scores than its earlier version and traditional cognitive tests…

The author empirically evaluates bias in construct validity and criterion-related validity of intelligence tests and bias in personality scales and concludes that little evidence exists to substantiate claims of bias for well-constructed, properly standardized tests. Therefore,, low-scoring minority or disadvantaged children need remedial and…

Some basic facts about test construction and uses and abuses of standardized measures. (Author)

An interim report on preparations for designing an examination in Dutch. The "unit-credit system" proposed by the Council of Europe is being used. The Dutch certificate will be comparable to the certificates given by the British Council and by the People's Universities. Sample portions are given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This report was commissioned by the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN) and focuses specifically on the performance of charter schools in Connecticut. Performance gains made by charter schools on standardized tests relative to gains made by traditional public schools are examined. Also, a brief analysis looks at the extent to which…

America's public schools are making harmful, irreversible decisions based on test results that--in an increasing number of cases--can't be trusted, Arizona State University's Education Policy Research Laboratory has found. The pressure of high-stakes tests is forcing school districts and state Departments of Education to take inappropriate and at…

The purpose of this brochure is to help educators in schools and school districts understand the fundamentals of what the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act means for mathematics and science curricula. Key NCLB requirements for mathematics and science, mathematics and science partnerships, and key resources and products are described. (KHR)

Educational reform efforts are currently at the top of the nation's agenda. Policymakers are hearing increasing calls from members of the public to improve standardized test scores. These reform calls are a response to the perceived inadequacy of science teaching in our nation. Data were collected from participating states regarding the status of…

In this brief, the authors examine the creation, evolution, and expansion of Philadelphia's diverse provider model through the lens of this theory of change; they show that the beliefs and assumptions underlying the diverse provider model have been amended over time; and they illustrate how district and provider leaders have reshaped the model in…