For all its attractiveness, alternative assessment is fraught with complications and difficulties, as Rhode Island's experience shows. Although alternative assessment can be systematic, there are no ways to rate large numbers of performance-based tasks, portfolios, interviews, exhibits, or essays. Some standardization is necessary, and assessment…

Two sides of debate on racial norming of aptitude tests are argued: that aptitude tests cannot be neutral to experience because aptitude itself is not neutral to experience, thus fairness to everyone is not possible in a single test; and that, predictively, ability tests are essentially color-blind and racial norming satisfies affirmative action…

A study of 521 teacher education students taking the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) revealed that students with American College Testing Program (ACT) composite scores of 21 or higher had a high probability of passing all 3 parts of the PPST at the first attempt at a cutoff score of 169. A state testing exemption for such students resulted.…

Examines the recent decline in verbal scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and suggests that demographic shifts, as well as a movement toward a more iconic, oral society resulting from videotapes, are responsible. The use of hypermedia and multimedia is discussed, and the definition of literacy is considered. (LRW)

Provides brief overviews of the four articles in this issue. Articles concern (1) social influences on kindergartners' journal writing; (2) stress behaviors of kindergartners while taking standardized tests; (3) preschool teachers' attitudes about cognitive development, educational objectives, and curriculum practices; and (4) preschool teachers'…

Explores the ethical issues involved in using standardized tests to implement a state-level policy. Examines the fourth grade science program evaluation test administered in New York State for the first time in 1989. A utilitarian view of ethics ignores the consequences of testing for different constituents, obviates caring behavior, and damages…

Calculators are transforming mathematics instruction, freeing it from an arithmetic-driven curriculum. They have encouraged teachers to think more carefully about what is important to learn. Calculators should be used at all levels of instruction and on tests, including standardized exams. Meaningful educational reform depends on such a change.…

A study assessed the feasibility of sequential testing of medical students using standardized patients. Sequential testing passes students who score well on the first segment of the test thus eliminating additional student-standardized patient encounters. Subjects were six classes of Southern Illinois University students (n=404). Results strongly…

Presents the text of a speech to the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) on the state of assessment in science and mathematics education and the future direction of efforts in these areas. Argues for more collaboration between research and education. (DDR)

Examined the relationship between levels of technology implementation in the classroom and standardized test scores in reading and mathematics in grades four and five. Surveyed a sample of teachers using the Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTi) instrument to determine their personal level of technology implementation in their classroom.…

Evaluates a school-choice pilot program in New York City funded by the School Choice Scholarship Foundation. School-choice students in grades four and five achieved substantially higher scores in math and reading. Compares and evaluates school-choice programs in Milwaukee (Wisconsin), San Antonio (Texas), and Cleveland (Ohio) schools. (MMU)

Considers the ecological validity of tests in predicting the effects of speech and language impairment on communicative performance in real-world settings and the need for systematic observation of communicative behaviors, particularly of individuals from other cultures. Discusses whether standardized testing and systematic observation are…

Presents suggestions for classroom-assessment courses regarding (1) communicating assessment results by assigning grades; (2) communicating assessment results in other ways; and (3) communicating the results of standardized testing. Discusses course content in the context of the "Standards for Teacher Competence in the Assessment of…

Assesses whether second-level schools in Ireland are equally effective regarding examination performance, absenteeism, and potential dropouts, using multivariate analyses of data from 15- and 16-year-olds in 116 schools. Absenteeism and potential dropout rates are lower in schools that enhance pupils' academic progress. (Contains 22 references.)…

Discusses Educational Testing Service (ETS) findings that teachers matter most for student achievement. ETS used 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data to examine relationships between student achievement and teacher characteristics. This paper critiques the research, noting serious flaws in the study design, highlighting…