Criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) embedded in the instructional program to facilitate learning resulted in students scoring higher on semester-end mathematical tests, regardless of the socioeconomic level of the school. The nature of the CRTs used and the feedback procedures contributed to the reported results. (PN)

Effective assessment is crucial to outcome-based learning programs. One choice to be made in such programs is whether assessment of student learning should be carried out within course structures or external to them. Advantages to each approach are suggested. The overall recommendation is for external assessment. (Author/MLW)

Setting motor performance standards has long been an important process to physical educators. However, theoretical advances appropriate for standard-setting have been made only in the last decade. Issues in standard setting are discussed, procedures are reviewed, and gender differences in motor performance are considered. (Author/JN)

The development and use of a bank of test items, utilizing the Rasch model in the calibration and scaling of these test items, is described. The items were used to construct tests for pre- and posttesting students in the Pharmacy Practice Externship at the University of Kentucky. Typical questions from the bank are appended. (JMD)

Describes the purpose, construction, use, maintenance, and improvement of a basic physics examination file by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Includes nine sample objectives, two multiple-choice items, and an example of computer item analysis. (SK)

Various testing methods have been developed to assess the intellectual functioning of children with learning disabilities, but testing is only one tool in the comprehensive process of assessment. The alternatives to relying exclusively on intelligence testing include ability tests, individual education plans, and beginning the teaching/programing…

This article provides information on designing a college course grading plan. It reviews the history of grades; describes and discusses common approaches to grading; examines the purposes of grades, problems with current practices, and situational factors to consider in selecting an approach; and proposes eight principles to observe in developing…

Describes a study of undergraduate students at Pennsylvania State University that was conducted to assess the impact of instructional color coding on visually and verbally oriented tests and on field dependence independence. Use of the GEFT (Group Embedded Figures Test) is discussed, and differences in cognitive processes are considered. (11…

Many schools are trying to reconnect elements of schooling that have grown apart since one-room schoolhouse days. This article explores alternatives to tracking and specialized curricula, including instructional alignment, criterion-referenced tests, schoolwide instructional strategies (cooperative learning and computer-assisted instruction),…

This study of curriculum-based assessment of the reading ability of four elementary-level students with learning disabilities found that individual-referenced tests are powerful for understanding instructional effects, whereas norm-referenced tests are best suited for determining deployment and allocation of resources. (DB)

The scales of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), as constructed, do not yield meaningful criterion-referenced interpretations. Poorly defined NAEP goals and the present knowledge base do not allow the measurement of what examinees can and cannot do. Inappropriate interpretations of NAEP data are discussed, with specific…

Popham describes the evolution of his Instructional Objectives Exchange (IOX) from an objectives-dispensing enterprise to an assessment-creating enterprise. Discusses national standardized testing, criterion-referenced versus norm-referenced assessment, teacher licensure tests, and professional development activities for graduate students. (KS)

Explains the criterion-referenced assessments in an educational context that aim to give information about valued educational outcomes. Traces the ways criterion referencing has been applied in the course of its 30 year history. Discusses a framework for the analysis of criterion-referenced approaches and applies the framework to the National…

Accountability and assessment have become grossly confused in today's educational climate. Although restructuring assessment is essential, the education community must communicate what tests measure, explain the different types of assessments utilized, and distinguish among several scoring techniques. Students should be taught effective…

The study analyzes the achievement trends of all third grade students in the state of Illinois who scored in the Exceeds category in reading and mathematics on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) in the year 2000. ISAT performance of this cohort group of students was followed through the eighth grade. Descriptive analyses were utilized…