Describes the test-development process used to create criterion-referenced tests in reading for a large city school district's system-wide testing program.

The purpose of this study was to develop and administer an original instrument which would measure the degree to which prespecified music listening skills were attained in each of the grades kindergarten through third. (MS)

The effectiveness of various tailored testing strategies for use in objective based instructional programs was investigated. The three factors of a tailored testing strategy under study with various hypothetical distributions of abilities across two learning hierarchies were test length, mastery cutting score, and starting point. (Author/JKS)

Six alternately weighted algorithms for diagnosing alcohol dependency in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) based on statistical, unit, rational and random criterion weighting systems, were used to predict an array of concurrent validators and six-month drinking outcomes in a regional clinical…

Too many report cards have grades and comments that are encoded and not standard referenced. To ease parents' confusion, reports should clearly distinguish between standard- and norm-referenced achievement, express teachers' judgments about student progress, consider longitudinal standards, identify strengths and weaknesses, distinguish between…

Discusses grading in elementary and secondary schools, focusing on the following topics: combining and weighting data, grading criteria, absolute grade standards, relative grade standards, contracting for grades, mastery and continuous progress grading, grading for effort or improvement, report cards, and procedures for grading students. (SR)

Examines the effect of organizational word-visuals which are designed to facilitate accurate and efficient storage of new material within the learner's cognitive structure, resulting in better recall. Concludes that word-visuals can increase learner's recall of factual information from mediated instruction and from textual materials. (RS)

In Canada, tests and test results do not appear to be driving the school system. Canadian universities do not require Canadian applicants to provide SAT or ACT scores for admission. Most provinces administer their own testing programs aimed at all students, not only the college bound. Developing the whole child is an important objective. (MLH)

Describes how the development of a criterion-referenced test for Kweyol led to the accreditation of Kweyol language and literacy courses taught in London. The process of accreditation has relevance for those involved in heritage teaching in countries such as the United States and for those committed to sustaining local literacies in microstates…

Outcome-based education is rooted in earlier ideas, such as Tyler's objectives, Spady's outcomes, Glaser's criterion-referenced measurement, Bloom's mastery learning, 1970s accountability concerns, and the 1960s competency-based education movement. Minnesota's experience suggests various practical implementation challenges concerned with…

With increasing emphasis on accurate assessment and accountability, computer-based testing and simulation may signify the future for teachers wishing to keep current on technology in the classroom. If career and technical education is to use new testing technology, features such as authentic assessment and criterion-based testing must be…

In this article we describe how an underperforming school district used research and theory on curriculum, assessment, implementation, and school and classroom organization to develop and implement district standards and improve the achievement of elementary school students. Key reforms included teachers developing essential curriculum standards,…

This study addressed what standard-setting panelists think about when they make item performance estimates for a barely proficient student. This study extended previous studies by considering the factors that influenced panelists' decisions in an Angoff (1971)-based standard-setting study as a function of their item performance estimates.…

This study examined a model of assessment that could be applied nationally for Year Twelve Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects and which could yield both a differentiating score and recognition of competence. More than fifty colleges across all states and territories of Australia field-tested the approach over one school year. Results…

"Saxon Math" curricula and materials are available for grades K through 12, with the content and skills designed to meet National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and various state standards. This WWC report focuses on middle school math curricula, defined as all Saxon Math curricula for grades 6 through 9. The…