School effectiveness indices (SEIs) based on residuals from regressing test performance in reading and mathematics onto prior-year test performance and a socioeconomic status measure (percentage eligible for a subsidized lunch program) were obtained for two consecutive years for 431 South Carolina elementary schools. The analysis involved school…

A study was conducted to contrast the characteristics of three groups of college students who completed a developmental algebra course at the University of Maine at Orono during 1980-81. On the basis of a two-part final examination, involving a multiple-choice test of algebraic concepts and skills and a free-response test of problem-solving…

The legislation mandating Louisiana's Basic Skills Test was consistent with federal legislation in specifically including special education students. The development of policy alternatives for the testing of these students, however, was a complex process. Related issues include: (1) inclusion/exclusion of special education students, (2)…

An educational testing program at the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), developed for juniors entering its school of education, evaluates their characteristics, the nature and extent of subject matter weaknesses, the need for and nature of remediation, and the relation of subject matter and basic skill achievement to success in methods…

Four tests were pre-equated on the basis of item-test regressions computed from a large sample providing pretest data. The tests were two mathematics tests (math computation and elementary algebra) and two verbal tests (sentence sense and reading comprehension) from the New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test. Regular equipercentile…

A cohort group of nine-year-olds in nine inner-city schools were studied over a three-year period to determine the extent of reading achievement under a continuous progress reading and mathematics curriculum instituted in a large urban school system. Changes in students' perceptions of their learning environment, such as reduced competitiveness,…

The functions of support provided to five committees of teachers engaged in planning and implementation of innovations are described as part of a longitudinal study of external assistance in school change. The five schools participated in projects developed collaboratively with Research for Better Schools. Sources of support included school and…

Test results from the Florida Educational Assessment of third and fifth grade communications and mathematics skills were used to compare linear and Rasch equating results. The samples consisted of over 5,000 cases for each grade and content area. The tests contained some items common to both the 1976 and 1977 test forms, but no fewer than 20…

Arguments in support of standardized testing are critically analyzed. Usual criticisms of such tests are summarized as relatively unimportant. However, two basic criticisms are offered: the competitive nature of scoring standardized tests and their lack of content validity. The test-makers contention that tests are neutral and simply need to be…

Two focuses of a discussion of literacy and vocational competence should be the need for a more profound understanding of literacy and the relevance of that understanding for studying reading in vocational settings. A developmental model of the acquisition of literacy considers reading a second signaling system for speech. People who become…

Scores on mental ability and academic skills for 1958 and 1978 of representative sample of grade 4 and 7 classes in Saskatchewan were compared. The selected students were administered appropriate levels of the Otis-Lennon Mental Ability Tests, and the Canadian Tests of Basic skills in vocabulary, reading, language skills (spelling, capitalization,…

The Bullock Report, published in 1975, described English teaching practices in England and offered recommendations for improving those practices. This paper examines the background of the report and discusses topics in the report that are of particular interest to Americans, including the setting and monitoring of reading and writing standards,…

Descriptions are presented of three programs whose primary purpose is to teach students to think more efficiently, that is, to develop habits of critical thinking, and to improve decision-making and problem-solving skills. One of the three programs operates at Bowling Green State University and seeks to develop skill in critical analysis by…

This document reproduces a filmstrip and accompanying narrative describing the Allied Health Learning Center at New York City Community College. Using a team of content faculty, specialists in learning methodology, and a media production staff, the Center serves 1,800 students and 180 faculty members in seven career departments. The primary goal…

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program and its contribution to the improvement of education in the state are described in this report. The Program provides local and state educational decision-makers with necessary information on human and financial resources and student attainment of sets of performance objectives thought to be necessary for…