Multiple-choice tests are widely used in education, often for high-stakes assessment purposes. Consequently, these tests should be constructed following the highest standards. Many efforts have been undertaken to advance item-writing guidelines intended to improve tests. One important issue is the unwanted effects of the options' position on test…

This study aimed at evaluating a PISA-like reading test developed by teachers participating in the teacher training for teaching PISA-like reading. To serve this purpose, an experimental test was administered to 107 students aged 15-16 using a set of text and questions constructed according to the criteria of the PISA Reading test Level 1. Item…

In a review of relevant literature, it is argued that correction for guessing formulas should not be used. It is contended that such formulas correct for guessing that does not really exist in a noticeable amount, penalize those students who have low self-esteem and self-confidence, correct for errors that are not necessarily errors, benefit risk…

Reviews methods for assessing critical thinking: multiaspect commercial tests, aspect-specific commercial tests, and teacher-designed tests. Suggests ways to modify commercial tests. (SK)

Reviews the status of classroom assessment, focusing on the review of four key research summaries that describe the dismal state of classroom assessment in the past century. Cites four important developments as reasons for optimism about the future of classroom assessment and details a five-part action plan for achieving the untapped potential of…

Provides a sampling of recent program development ideas that show the varied nature of test wiseness instruction. Warns that teachers are unsophisticated test writers. (ARH)

This paper focuses on Smith's (1982) concept of test-wiseness strategies, describing several approaches that may maximize guessing on multiple-choice exams. Several previous studies indicated that the average level of performance increased when guessing was encouraged and decreased with instructions advising against guessing. Several studies were…

The literature on the verbal behavior of teachers and their methods of testing students was reviewed. Studies included those on structuring (focusing attention on the topic), soliciting (including questions, commands, imperatives, and requests), responding (answering questions), and reacting (clarifying, synthesizing, expanding, or making positive…

Reviews the literature concerning informal reading inventories and discusses a number of issues related to them, including question choice, scoring criteria, and allowable miscues. Offers guidelines for constructing and using the inventories. (FL)

This booklet examines fundamental technical and implementation issues involved with large-scale, on-demand performance assessments and teacher-constructed, classroom-based performance assessments, especially for use with students who have disabilities. It discusses definitions and core concepts, outlines theoretical matters, reviews research on…

This paper discusses the use of tests by American teachers over the past six decades. A representative sample of the research centering on the linkage between testing and teaching is cited. (LMO)

Discussion of the use of microcomputers for developing tests for paper-and-pencil presentation compares two options: item-bank, or test-generator software, and word processing. Tests and test generators supplied by textbook publishers are described, cost effectiveness is considered, and possible future developments are suggested. (10 references)…

This report was developed in the Test Use Project at the Center for the Study of Evaluation. The general goal of the project is to examine and describe the features and applications of tests and other assessment methods that contribute to the improvement of instruction. It is, therefore, examining the nature of current assessment practice, the…

Reviews the related literature in the ares of questioning strategies and content area reading. Reports one teacher's attempt to determine whether specific questioning strategies increase scores on teacher-made tests. Finds that specific questioning strategies do improve performance on teacher-made tests. (MG)

The role of testing in American education is becoming increasingly important in grouping students for educational purposes. This article reviews practices adopted by educators or administrators to improve student test scores. Stopgap measures for improving standardized test scores include (1) switching to easier tests; (2) eliminating certain…