On the basis of the characteristics of criterion-referenced tests, the contribution of German research to the development and application of criterion-referenced tests is discussed. (PN)

Suggests that the development of models and of claims about their generalizability in the absence of information about how evaluation occurs does little to advance the field of curriculum evaluation. Includes a description of the evaluation activities in the Israeli Curriculum Center. A bibliography is included. (Editor)

A discussion of using individual expectancy scores rather than comparative group scores in evaluating achievement gains. (HB)

Compares and contrasts norm-referenced and criterion-referenced concepts which exemplify the transition from relative to absolute standards of educational evaluation. (Author/RK)

The ideal item in the criterion-referenced testing situation is the item with a nonsignificant discrimination index and a high difficulty level; items that discriminate negatively are clearly unacceptable; and items that discriminate positively usually indicate a need for revision. (Author)

In this comment a recent attempt by Samuel A. Livingston to develop a theory of reliability for criterion-referenced measures is critiqued. For Livingston's rejoinder see TM 500 560. (Authors/MB)

This study assesses the validity of the Ginn Reading Management System, (GRMS) criterion-referenced and mastery level tests to predict student reading performance. GRMS is an effective predictor of reading performance at grade one level; it is not so effective at grade two and even less effective at grade three. (Author/PN)

A new method was developed to assist in the selection of a test length by utilizing computer simulation procedures and item response theory. A demonstration of the method presents results which address the influences of item pool heterogeneity matched to the objectives of interest and the method of item selection. (Author/PN)

Addressing Glass' argument (EJ 198 842) that a lack of interrelater reliability is an inherent deficiency in the Nedelsky technique, poor rater training and the need for a group decision procedure are presented as standard setting problems. (CM)

Norm-referenced testing is not appropriate for use in teacher evaluation. A truly equitable method of teacher evaluation is based on a clear set of instructional targets and on the teacher's effectiveness in helping students master the specific skills and knowledge targeted. (Author/MLF)

Describes a procedure, called a full Bayesian procedure, for making decisions in connection with criterion-referenced measurements. The procedure uses continuous utility functions instead of a dichotomized utility structure and combines the posterior distribution for a certain person with utility functions for "advance" and "retain" decisions…

Examined criterion-related validity studies published in the Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology. The major changes are a decline in the volume of reported validation research, and a de-emphasis of aptitude tests as predictors. Changes are interpreted in terms of increasing governmental intervention in employment selection.…