Analyzing growth rates and percentiles of achievement are two ways that school systems can evaluate school performance. Boards should also consider parent-teacher satisfaction, internal management systems, school board evaluation, and a number of other indicators. (MLF)

Discusses the difficulties teachers face with the current dual emphasis on teaching from a whole language curriculum while teaching cultural literacy and evaluating with standardized tests. Asserts that researchers need to focus on the complementarity between these approaches. (MM)

Portfolios allow students to maintain collections of their work as indicators of their academic success. Portfolios are being promoted as an alternative to standardized testing throughout the curriculum, particularly in language arts. Portfolio assessment offers educators advantages both in philosophical congruence and instructional strategy. (SM)

Teachers must do all they can to ensure their students perform well on standardized tests. Good classroom testing practices corresponding to those used on standardized tests will enhance student scores. Teachers must demystify tests, make testing congruent, use answer sheets, administer multiple-choice tests, take testing seriously, and use…

Addresses the tension between the two assessment goals of measurement and instruction and how they relate to standardized testing in general. Suggests that this tension is writ large in Australia's current literacy-policy environment, with the scales tipping to the measurement goal. Argues that these goals need to be aligned in the best interests…

This article discusses how test preparation helps students with deafness to develop the skills required to do well on standardized reading tests by examining test-taking strategies and common language structures used in test items. Common errors made by students are listed and helpful remedial classes are discussed. (Contains four references.)…

Suggests that the most conspicuous victims of high-stakes testing are low-income minority children. Notes that families and educators are beginning to "engage in civil disobedience to rescue education from the current accountability fad." Concludes that it is very important to investigate whether the proposed response is likely to fix the problem…

This book is designed to provide the vital advice and information students need for the college application process, in an easy-to-read format. The first four chapters give general information about colleges and admission requirements, with the following titles: "Thinking about College"; "Overview of Colleges"; "What Do Colleges Consider for…

Options in postsecondary education for adults and young adults with learning disabilities (LD) are examined. An introductory section considers characteristics of LD that present special problems, including difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, and/or using numerical concepts; distractability; difficulties with understanding or following…

The use of Stanford Achievement Tests (SATs) with hearing impaired students is considered. Background of the test is given, and the SAT-HI (SAT for the Hearing Impaired) is discussed in terms of its content, item wording, and norms. Among six specific recommendations made are to use the SAT-HI because it minimizes floor and ceiling effects,…

These issues contain articles for teachers of English as a second language on creative drama, teaching pronouns, standardized tests, vocabulary instruction, and a variety of games and classroom techniques. (JB)

The article examines the legal problems associated with standardized testing instruments and their use and the legal imperative for using curriculum-based measures in special education evaluation systems. (Author/CL)

This document provides guidelines relative to the appropriate administration of and preparation for the State Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program norm-referenced tests in the San Diego City Schools. The STAR tests are norm-referenced tests, and this document is intended to assure that standardized conditions in testing mirror the…

Three major areas (response mode, methods of presentation, and content) in which standardized assessment instruments can be modified to obtain objective information about the present abilities and/or future potential of severely handicapped students are discussed. (Author/SB)

Discusses the current political situation in the United States and the ways in which literacy education, particularly reading education, has been socially constructed and politically situated in the last several years. Suggests that the policies educators are currently implementing will lead to a generation of teachers who pay homage to externally…