Compares three statistical methods for measuring the weight of examination components in determining the ranking of overall results. The authors demonstrate the limitations in using standard deviation and part-with-whole correlations and show how covariance techniques provide the best indicators of component weights. Theoretical objections to the…

A computer program to process student examination results is outlined. The objectives and basic structure of the program are discussed, but details of the coding of the program are omitted. The way in which the computer can save a great deal of time and effort is addressed. (JMD)

The limitations of objectives tests, the language skills needed for university work, and effective ways of appraising and communicating these skills to the university are discussed. The goals of university English as a second language (ESL) programs is to train international students in the linguistic and academic skills they will need in American…

The explicit statement of course objectives and a retrospective analysis of student test results are used in the evaluation of a mathematics course for engineering students. (BW)

How best to use college entrance test score information in making decisions that affect both students and institutions is a complex issue. This booklet offers guidelines developed by member councils and panels of the College Board on the appropriate uses of test scores. The guidelines describe how the College Board interprets its own…

This plan presents the procedures to be followed in the administration of the Florida College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) for the 1994-95 academic year. The document specifies the responsibilities of the Department of Education, the technical support contractor, and individual institutions. The plan does not include procedures needed in…

The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) is a statewide program designed to ensure that all students attending public colleges and universities have the basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills necessary to perform effectively at the college level. All entering first-time freshmen are required to take the TASP test, which has a basic skills…

More than 275 colleges across the United States now admit some or all of their applicants without regard to Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT) scores, and many say that the policy has increased both the diversity and the academic quality of their entering classes. Many lessons have been learned at schools…

Three sections describing the Washington Pre-College Test (WPC) are presented. The first, Registration Booklet, is intended for high school students who may take the WPC. It describes the program; provides detailed instructions on completing the answer folder; lists colleges in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho which accept WPC results; and includes…

This book for college faculty provides a resource for developing, using, and grading classroom exams. The first chapter addresses ways to determine what content should be included on an exam. The second chapter identifies testing considerations such as number of exams, difficulty level of items, and test length. Chapters 3 and 4 provide guidelines…

This conference focused on the broad theme, improving the quality and scope of measurement. The first session centered on improving criteria for educational and psychological measurement, with papers on Criteria for Complex Mental Processes by Robert C. Wilson and on Criteria of Nonintellectual Aspects of Personality by Morris I. Stein. The second…

Describes a geography literacy quiz project developed by the Geography Club at California State University (Fresno). Reports that poor quiz results sparked interest in developing programs to ensure geographic literacy. Comments on a program at Dos Palos (California) High School that will require geography proficiency examinations for graduation by…