A transition program at the American College of Life Underwriters which is moving into criterion-referenced measurement, but is also maintaining some of the desirable aspects of norm-referenced measurement, is discussed. Two programs that have moved into the criterion-referenced measurement area are the Cassette/Review Program of the Zimmerman…

The first National Assessment of Music, conducted in 1971-72, measured the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of 9 year olds, 13 year olds, 17 year olds, and young adults, resulting in estimates of proportions of people in the population who have certain attitudes toward music, knowledge about music terminology, notaion and history, and musical…

The ALL WIN-U.S.A. Project, administered by the Office of the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools (OLACSS), was to provide basic-skills instruction in reading and mathematics that would result in significant improvement in the respective achievement domains, in learner attitudes, and cost effectiveness relative to the previous curriculum…

This document describes the background, methodology, and results of the Massachusetts educational assessment program for social studies and citizenship skills. The program, which was conducted during 1975-76, sampled knowledge and attitudes of 9- and 17-year-olds throughout the state on specific educational objectives. Criterion-referenced tests…

Reviews current research on listening comprehension and development of listening tests and considers four issues in detail: 1) the meaning of context in listening testing; 2) the concept of criterion referenced tests; 3) the notion of specific purposes in testing; and 4) the use of technology in listening tests. Issues for future research are…

This study examined differences in time needed for learning for three types of learning tasks from Bloom's taxonomy: knowledge, comprehension, and application. Seventh and eighth graders (N=88) were given five repeated trials to master three simulated classroom tasks. Large differences were found between tasks in mastery rates, information…

O'Brien's research on Prescriptive Test Theory was replicated, using a survey of basic skills in mathematics taught in Singapore. The feasibility of using Prescriptive Test Theory on a large scale basis was investigated. Instruments used in the study were given in Appendix II (pp. 71-87). (LMO)

Technical advances of the last 15 years in measurement theory and practice are described, notably criterion-referenced testing, item response theory, and computers and testing. Several remaining problems concerning the development and validation of credentialing examinations are also considered. (Author/LMO)

A norm-referenced achievement test, in combination with supplementary items, can be used to produce norm-referenced data as well as objective-referenced data. The experiences of the Palm Beach County (Florida) school district in developing and using such a test are described. (EGS)

Provides guidelines for teachers writing machine-scored examinations. Explains the use of item analysis (discrimination index) to single test items that should be improved or eliminated. Discusses validity and reliability of classroom achievement tests in contrast to norm-referenced examinations. (JHZ)

The quality and equality of American education are reexamined and the misuse of tests and the public's perception of them are discussed. It is suggested that new research efforts in testing must be supported. Congressional chartering of the National Academy of Education is proposed. (Author/MLW)

Discussion of instructor's methods compared with those intended by the instructional designer focuses on a study of undergraduate engineering students that was designed to investigate whether instructor delivery of the program as recommended regarding homework would yield higher student achievement. Treatments for the experimental and control…

This study follows up a study examining use of self-monitoring to remediate social skills of a young man with Down syndrome in supported competitive employment. The study demonstrates the efficacy of the follow-along component of supported employment and the use of a criterion-referenced assessment and treatment package to retrain technical job…

This case study describes a criterion-referenced method of assessing the speech and language of a young child who speaks an uncommon or unfamiliar English dialect. The method, Parent Child Comparative Analysis, involves administering an identical test battery to parent and child and interpreting the child's performance in relation to the parent's.…

Examines, in a qualitative study, the role of mandated tests on elementary schools, describing in particular their emotional impact on teachers, who may suffer sanctions or loss of autonomy based on low test scores. Describes some of the curricular and methodological effects of standardized testing. (CJS)