Critiques William Becker, William Greene, and Sherwin Rosen's review of the research regarding the teaching and learning of high school economics. Calls for sharper definitions of research models to improve focus. Explains a distinction between stock and flow models, and asks for elaboration on topics covered. Suggests examining textbook…

The article describes application to mathematically gifted elementary age students of the diagnostic/prescriptive model developed by the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth. A five-step procedure of beyond-level standardized testing is followed by mentored instruction based on analysis of testing errors. (DB)

To help physicians select appropriate screening tests for early childhood identification of developmental disabilities, 19 screening tests were administered by a pediatrician and rated by a panel of pediatricians and a special educator. Five of the tests were identified that approached standards for educational and psychological tests. (TJH)

Offers the Southern Examining Group chief examiner's personal assessment of the successes and problems encountered during the first year of the British General Certification of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination. Discusses both coursework and the examination itself. Concludes that if administrative problems can be overcome, the GCSE will…

Examines the policy initiatives of the National Curriculum and the National Assessment and Testing programs in Great Britain. Argues that school-based teacher assessment and centralized testing lend themselves to professional accountability and market accountability. Concludes that an official policy of advocating both methods will create…

Standardized tests have been introduced to promote more uniform measurements of cognitive abilities and science achievement. With faculty redirecting their efforts to conform to the design and content of standardized tests, tests like the National Board of Medical Examiners examinations, have begun to direct the content of medical education. (MLW)

This article gives a personal account of the effects of a district-wide policy of "teaching to the test" on teachers, administrators, and the curriculum. The effects include low teacher morale and incidents of cheating by administrators and teachers. (IAH)

Describes some of the problems in writing data response items in economics for use by A Level and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) students. Examines the experience of two series of workshops on writing items, evaluating them and assessing responses from schools. Offers suggestions for producing packages of data response items as…

Discusses the purposes and goals of mathematics assessment, the features of locally developed versus standardized tests, the validation of assessment tests, the decisions made from test scores, and the fair preparation of students. (DMM)

The need to extend systematic assessment procedures for Australia's high school juniors and seniors to a broader range of learning outcomes, develop better reporting methods, and provide results that can be compared reasonably are discussed.Several approaches to achieving these objectives are compared. (MSE)

The dimensionality was assessed of 20 problem score measures derived from a nationally standardized written clinical simulation examination--the National Board for Respiratory Care--for which prior evidence of validity exists. The stability and generalizability of the resulting factor structure across examinee groups and test forms (N=5,679…

The article raises misgivings toward recent proposals to require standardized literacy testing for 10- to 14-year-olds in Australia. Three other papers on the dangers and possibilities of literacy assessment are reviewed. It is concluded that the teacher parent partnership and learning are threatened by an increased government role in assessment.…

Sources of current misuse of standardized tests in assessing the quality of home-based educational programs are identified. Development of new instruments and cooperation of concerned groups are suggested as a means of increasing educational alternatives, excellence, and accountability. (Author/TJH)

Current concepts of performance assessment are very promising, partly because they are consistent with approved curriculum practice. The contemporary rationale for performance assessment has been largely uninformed by past ideas and practices. Overreliance on standardized test scores prevails, despite the midcentury core curriculum movement and…

A tear-out folder provides information on alternative student assessment versus standardized testing, describing what alternative assessments do and do not consist of and involve. Information on student assessment statewide and nationwide is presented along with a discussion of the costs of alternative assessment. All information is presented in…