Describes the conversion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language to computer-based testing (CBT), explaining the impetus for change and answering questions about benefits of CBT, introduction of CBT into the U.S. and internationally, test scoring and reporting, effects of computer literacy on test scores, preparing test-takers for CBT, and…

Education remains heavily shackled by punitive, test-driven reform. Despite reasonable alternatives, testing increasingly drives educational accountability and reform. Standardization of direct writing assessments promotes scoring reliability and facilitates educational comparisons and rankings. However, standardized writing is not good writing,…

Uses a general theory of domain identification to describe achievement barriers faced by women in advanced quantitative areas and African Americans in school. Research with approximately 250 African American college students and standardized test scores show the effects of stereotype threat on the achievement of these groups. (SLD)

Discusses a few of the causes for less-than-optimum educational uses of the Internet. Highlights include problems with state-level plans; the fear of pornography and Web censorship; the location of computers in computer labs; unrealistic overvaluing of standardized tests; and the current poor quality of Web pages. (LRW)

Suggests that ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, fails four tests for sound diagnostic assessment set out in a standard reference (K.W. Howell et al. "Curriculum Based Evaluation")--tests for logicality, reliability, validity, and accuracy and practicality. (RS)

Claims that arguments about the invalidity, purposelessness, and misleading nature of ELLA (English Language and Literacy Assessment ) implemented in New South Wales, Australia, remain intact despite attempts to counter the arguments. Presents a detailed critique of arguments presented in an article in the previous of this journal supporting ELLA.…

Describes the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised and discusses its use in diagnosing learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents and adults. It addresses ethical and legal issues, the schism of standardized testing vs. modifications, assessment alternatives, and practitioner guidelines. (DB)

In fall 1997, a midwestern district initiated changes to enable all stakeholders (especially teachers) to be knowledgeable users of standardized and teacher-made test results. Two major activities were implemented: data notebooks for each school and a data-mentor program to develop school personnel's data-analysis skills. (MLH)

Across five continents, operant testing schemes are the assessment equivalent of an English jumble sale. Test types, rationales, preparation times, and scoring practices are equally diverse in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, England, Germany, Israel, and Japan. Most systems are in flux or under scrutiny. (MLH)

Uses data from a survey of California elementary teachers and from student California Learning Assessment System scores to examine the influence of assessment, curriculum, and professional development on teacher practice and student achievement, proposing that successful instructional policies are themselves instructional: teachers' opportunities…

Standardized test scores were compared for three types of Chilean schools: public, private financed with voucher-like subsidies, and fee-paying private. Raw scores were much higher in private fee-paying schools. There were no significant differences between scores in public schools and subsidized private schools. (SK)

Describes and contrasts different methods of estimating costs of standardized testing. Using a cost-accounting approach, compares gross and marginal costs and considers testing objects (test materials and services, personnel and student time, and administrative/building overhead). Social marginal costs of replacing existing tests with a national…

Proponents of national tests claim they are needed to provide individual student test scores and to yield aggregate statewide and nationwide data. However, other sources already provide mountains of data, and U.S. school children are already the most tested in the world. The tests proposed by Congress will be harmful, since there are inadequate…

This paper describes the purpose and rationale of a "talent search" effort to identify gifted students through use of off-level testing. Three components are stressed: diagnosis and evaluation of domains and levels of talent; educational placement and guidance; and talent development opportunities. Research supporting the talent-search…

Even when complex statistical formulas are used in setting cutoffs for standardized tests, their mathematical precision is no substitute for sound professional judgment. Raising standards or increasing expectations for student learning is not accomplished simply by raising cutoff percentages for performance levels or different grade categories.…