It is argued that, by design, norm-referenced tests (NRT) and criterion-referenced tests (CRT) are conceived with different frames of reference. They are not totally exclusive of each other, but they do direct attention to different uses and references for information and decision making. Their combined contributions allow a more detailed and…

This document, noting that teacher evaluation has now become a terror for teachers due to legislation such as the Stull Act, reviews the major assessment alternatives for teacher competence appraisal. The author discusses the use and merits of ratings, observations, and pupil test performance and finds them all to have fatal defects. He then…

Predictor-criterion relationships for cognitive, non-cognitive, and cross-product predictors were analyzed using criteria constructed for the curriculum units within the following grade complexity levels: cumulative, division, department, and course. Analyses of the correlations were performed in an attempt to inquire into the complexity of the…

To gather some information about the extent of utilization of criterion-objective referenced tests, a survey was conducted among the 27 member school systems of the Council of the Great City Schools. The questionnaire was developed to solicit information in the following five areas: (1) local use of criterion-objective referenced tests; (2)…

A general coefficient for tests, delta, is derived from a decision theoretic point of view. The situations are considered in which a true score is estimated by a function of the observed score, observed scores are split into more than two categories, and observed scores are split into only two categories. (Author/CTM)

A computer simulation study was conducted to investigate Subkoviak's index of reliability for criterion-referenced tests, called the coefficient of agreement. Results indicate that the index can be adequately estimated. (JKS)

Four different methods for estimating the proportions of testees properly classified as having mastered or not mastered test content are examined, using data from the Scholastic Aptitude Test. All four methods prove reasonably accurate and all show some bias under certain conditions. (JKS)

Criterion referenced testing and methods of setting standards are presented as politically motivated rather than supporting any technological advance in education. (RAO)

Guides school administrators through a process to institute a workable criterion-referenced instructional system. (Author/MLF)

Descriptions are presented of two related probabilistic models that can be used for making classification decisions with respect to mastery of specific concepts or skills. Determination of cutoff scores, minimal number of items necessary, and the assessment of the quality of tests provided by the model are discussed. (Author/JKS)

Derives formulas for the validity of predictor-criterion tests that hold for all test scores constructed according to the expected-value concept of true score. These more general formulas disclose some paradoxical properties of test validity under conditions where errors are correlated and have some implications for practical testing situations…

Criterion-referenced performance tests (CRPT) provide a realistic method for objectively measuring task proficiency against predetermined attainment standards. This article explains the procedures of constructing, validating, and scoring CRPTs and includes a checklist for a welding test. (JOW)

Certain states and local districts are setting up performance criteria a student must meet before he can graduate from high school. (IRT)

A history teacher suggests ways to approach the development of a set of working behavioral objectives in both the cognitive and affective domain. (KM)

Author attempted to call attention to some serious problems with respect to the general goals of education, and to suggest that these problems are left untouched by most of the newer developments in the specification of educational objectives. (Author/RK)