The current chapter focuses on philosophical and scientific developments in the assessment of teacher knowledge. The goal is to provide an overview of major developments in the assessment of teacher knowledge and to illustrate those developments with representative and significant efforts. The authors made evaluative judgments of importance based…

A study involving 123 teachers newly certified in mathematics during the 1985/86-1986/87 school years was undertaken to investigate the relationship among three common assessments of achievement often used in the certification of teachers of mathematics. The study also sought to determine whether a level of content preparation can be inferred from…

Although in U.S. v. State of South Carolina the Court has established important guidelines legitimating the use of validated National Teacher Examination scores in the certification of teachers, some problems and questions remain. (Author/IRT)

The National Teacher Evaluation Program has developed a competency test for teachers that is the result of extensive consultation with the profession, pretesting, and review. Plans for the future of the test are detailed. (MLF)

A brief report on status of state mandates for teacher testing considers: (1) the number of states that have or are establishing testing programs; (2) the type of competency testing being conducted by each state; (3) whether currently employed teachers should be tested; (4) whether such tests discriminate against minority group members; and (5)…

A new computer-based assessment system will replace the National Teachers Examination by fall 1992. The three-stage system will test state-required basic academic skills during the sophomore year of college, evaluate subject field knowledge and skills using open-ended and multiple-choice questions, and contain a locally based performance…

This study investigated ways of making present and past results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and other data sources maximally useful as science indicators and to recommend possible changes in instrumentation and procedures that may enhance future NAEP surveys for these purposes. Primary emphasis was given to reviewing…

Provides eight screening practices to consider when hiring new teachers. Includes suggestions on how to conduct interviews. (MD)

The issues and implications of state policies in teacher candidate testing meant to improve instruction, competence and the education system are reviewed. Arguments for teacher testing as quality controls and to increase public confidence in schools; guidelines to consider before implementing programs; and testing alternatives are discussed. (CM)

Characteristics of the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) of 10 years hence are projected. The NTE-recommended guidelines for the examination are that: the test be used for selection and certification of teachers; it will be suitable for group testing; a single map will be used for the professional component to measure teacher effectiveness; map…

This article describes how three Utah school districts employed tests, specifically National Teacher Examinations, as one line of optional evidence for use (along with a selection of other evidence) in the promotion of eligible teachers. (Author/LMO)

The rationale for the role of state educational agencies in certifying teachers, the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) program and the new NTE Core Battery are discussed. State certification in Arkansas, Florida and Oklahoma, Louisiana's consideration, and the District Court of South Carolina decision concerning NTE use for certification are…

Three students' concerns about testing range from the conditions under which tests are taken to what tests actually measure, to the personal sacrifices high school students must make to take nationally administered examinations. (Author/CM)

The report reviews competency tests designed to evaluate inservice and prospective teachers. The most frequently used instrument is the National Teacher Examination (NTE). It is designed to measure academic preparation in four domains: communication skills, general education, professional education, and subject field specialization, and should be…

This paper is a report of a study designed to develop recommendations on minimum qualifying scores for National Teacher Examinations (NTE) that are valid for certification and endorsement in Tennessee. The functions performed in the review of the NTE Core Battery and Specialty Area tests were conceptualized as panel activities. The number of…