The construction of tests of oral competence in a foreign language requires consideration of several factors. The face validity of the test, or the degree to which students feel they are performing a real communicative act, is illustrated with a number of model testing situations. Content validity, or the ability of a test to measure what has been…

The Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) provides an opportunity to benchmark student achievement against world class standards and to examine the influences of curriculum, textbooks, and educational systems on student achievement. Findings indicate that U.S. students at the fourth grade above the international average in both math…

To assign grades that accurately communicate student performance, conscientious teachers must ensure their grading is consistent with that of other teachers, reveals student progress, and remains sensitive to impacts on student motivation and parent reaction. Teachers, parents, and administrators of the Round Rock Independent School District in…

A series of reports informs educators and parents about the Alaska Statewide Assessment, a program designed to measure student performance in mathematics and reading. The first report covers the 1981 assessment, proposed planning and changes in the program for 1983, evaluation plans, and test scores. Report 2 describes the progress of score…