Examines four types of evidence of literacy trends and performance among schools and students: national literacy data; then-and-now studies; Scholastic Aptitude Test trends; and test renorming studies, particularly those pertaining to the 1970s. Argues that both sides of the debate concerning the quality of education have misrepresented evidence…

Rather than establish a national test, we should examine what other industrialized nations require of their children. Persistence and creativity are not easily tested, and results are bound to be oversimplified. Developing basic American education standards is appropriate only if every public school is equipped with adequate resources. (MLH)

Maintains that the social studies curriculum is appropriate for teaching thinking skills but that the subject is taught to enhance student performance on state-mandated tests. Traces historically the introduction of thinking skills into the curriculum. Examines the conflict over teaching thinking skills; namely the content versus process dispute.…

Standardized tests which measure a narrow span of intelligence unfairly penalize students whose strengths don't fall within that range. Three kinds of intelligence (analytical, creative, practical) are discussed. Sternberg's Triarchic Abilities Test, currently being test-piloted, assesses all three aspects of intelligence in contrast to current…

The Stanford-Binet IV is compared to the original version and criticized for having less power to measure the high end of intelligence and for having norms that discriminate against gifted students. Strengths of the Stanford-Binet L-M are pointed out, and use of both scales for different purposes is recommended. (JDD)

Teachers' ability to act as full professionals is significantly limited by textbook programs in state and local curricula as well as the use of standardized achievement tests. Curriculum reform and upgrading of teacher professionalism go hand in hand. (SK)

Test developers have an obligation to create the most appropriate assessment instruments possible as L. J. Kilian argues, but whether they do or not, educators still are responsible for providing test preparation that is professionally ethical and educationally defensible. (SLD)

Offers parable concerning cobbler who lost control of how he operated within his profession. Notes many teachers also feel they are not in charge, that the curriculum is driven by standardized tests and/or the scope and sequence of the published program adopted by the school system. Expresses encouragement that a growing number of teachers are…

This assessment of the usefulness of the "Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised" and the "Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition" for gifted children found that both are technically superior instruments with sensitive items, exceptional standardization, strong construct validity, and…

Lessons designed to prepare students for standardized tests are replacing lessons designed to help children think. Instead of national standardized test scores, schools should use local criterion-referenced tests; take a baseline measurement; compare test scores with districts having similar demographics; compare students, not grade levels; and…

Emphasizes the value of national standardized testing, discussing five issues: nobody is accountable for education results if there is no clarity about requirements; nobody likes today's tests; the entire nation is at risk; parents need reliable measures of children's success; and other countries with successful education systems have national…

Problems with the oral Bagrut are discussed, including the complicated rating scale, complicated administration requirements, lack of conformity in materials, unsuitable tests, monologue approach, and scoring system. A suggested form for reporting scores is presented. (LB)

Discusses state-mandated assessment at the university level, as experienced in one department of communication. Offers five recommendations to ensure integrity in a politically motivated process. (SR)

A review (HE 528 450) of large-scale studies of the psychometric characteristics of standardized-patient clinical examinations is commended for its clarity, thoroughness, and relevance. Issues of reliability, validity, scoring, reporting, and use of the tests are discussed further. (MSE)

The enrollment growth of Japanese language courses in U.S. K-12 classrooms has resulted in a strain on delivery systems due limited teacher training programs, materials, and standardized tests. A new Johns Hopkins/College Board project to develop a national curricular framework is described. (LB)