The A to F grading pattern is a highly subjective practice that demands great expertise and assumes a high degree of test validity. This article discusses the merits of extra credit assignments, homework, and "pop" quizzes; outlines defensible grading procedures; and discusses common grading problems, such as using grades as weapons. (MLH)

Without training in objective, systematic methods of assessing student performance, teachers often must rely on poor quality evaluation measures. This article discusses assessment problems and promotes a new Northwest Regional Education Laboratory (Oregon) development: providing classroom assessment specialists to assist teachers with student…

Describes a method for increasing efficiency of examination production which uses file cards to store and organize test items. The process of reproducing tests directly from master copies made with file cards is discussed. (AM)

The Holistic Reading Assessment, a procedure developed and piloted by elementary teachers in the Upper Arlington (Ohio) School District, is conducted in the classroom during a 10-minute individual reading conference. The procedure allows teachers to gather information about students' reading interests, use of strategies, comprehension, and…

At the beginning of the undergraduate psychology course, students are informed that a comprehensive makeup final will be required of any student who misses any regularly scheduled exam for any reason. The more exams a student misses, the more heavily the comprehensive makeup is weighted. (RM)

When commercially available tests failed to match their whole-language instructional practices, resource teachers in a Canadian school district developed their own instrument. Assembled over a five-year period, the Multi-Layered Assessment Package (MAP) is a set of procedures accompanied by suggested books, transcripts, and retelling and recording…

Describes capabilities of test and worksheet generator software; discusses features to consider when evaluating the software for purchase; and presents reviews of eight test and worksheet generators: P.D.Q., Testmaster, Easy Quiz Maker, EA Mathematics Worksheet Generator, Mathematics Worksheet Generator, Earth Science Test Maker, Individualized…

Based on empirical work with classes of 4- to 7-year-olds in English primary schools, this book provides an analysis of how classroom assessment occurs within routine teacher-student interaction. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Defining and Investigating Formative Assessment"; (3) "Teachers' Perceptions of…

Teacher-made tests are an important tool in formative and summative evaluation of learning. This evaluation instrument is designed to aid teachers as they work with tests in the classroom. Questions are included regarding planning, construction, administration, scoring, analysis, and use of test results. (Author)

Discusses the importance of computer security and considers criminal, national security, and personal privacy threats posed by security breakdown. Several examples are given, including incidents involving computer viruses. Objectives, content, instructional strategies, resources, and a sample examination for an experimental undergraduate computer…

It is important that teachers test not only knowledge, but also comprehension, application, synthesis, and evaluation. Several suggestions for test items in physical education are presented. (CJ)

In fall 1997, a midwestern district initiated changes to enable all stakeholders (especially teachers) to be knowledgeable users of standardized and teacher-made test results. Two major activities were implemented: data notebooks for each school and a data-mentor program to develop school personnel's data-analysis skills. (MLH)

In Spring 2000, Nebraska passed legislation supporting a school-based and teacher-led initiative. The plan provides districts flexibility in the testing tools they use, but still requires districts to develop standards, report annually on student progress, and participate in an annual statewide writing assessment. (Contains 13 references.) (MLH)

Much of the effectiveness of college instruction depends on the quality of the methods that are used to evaluate student progress. After developing a test or examination that is a valid and reliable measure of student performance, the college instructor must evaluate the results of the examination and report the level and quality of student…

Ideas about educational assessment are synthesized to construct a Quality Assessment Checklist that can be used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of classroom assessments. Sound assessment begins with clear and appropriate learning targets. Once learning targets have been identified, they need to be matched with appropriate methods.…