Proposes a detailed model involving the curricular, instructional/guidance, and assessment dimensions of promoting study skills and test-taking techniques among secondary school principals. Includes extensive references. (Author/MD)

The "high stakes" environment surrounding student performance on standardized achievement tests has pressured educators to improve test scores--in both appropriate and inappropriate ways. Convened to examine such testing practices, a National Council on Measurement in Education developed guidelines for managing ethical, instructional,…

Principals should urge teachers to teach students the five basic principles of test taking. This can improve student scores on standardized tests. (MD)

Students who are prepared for tests (possessing content knowledge, test-taking strategies, and effective study plans) perform better in test situations than unprepared or unskilled students. This article presents strategies teachers can use to help students develop test-taking skills and discusses differences between the Scholastic Aptitude Test…

Offers strategies for improving student scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Covers three areas: improvement in instructional quality in high schools; analysis and refinement of opportunities for students to demonstrate and practice test-taking skills; and enhancement of understanding and support among parents, community, and staff. (PGD)

A survey of 479 graduating seniors from three different high schools reveals the majority of the students were not adequately trained in study skills. Includes a copy of the survey questionnaire. (MD)

External assessments for accountability may be taking precedence over other educational assessment purposes and are beginning to direct teaching and learning in schools. Four common concerns include teaching to the tests, narrowing instructional focus and allowing tests to determine curricula, deemphasizing higher order thinking skills, and…

Reviews aspects of our cultural environment that have changed over the past half century and that may significantly affect children's intellectual development. Positive influences include increased student and parental education attainment, decreased family size, increased family resources, and shifts in parenting style. One negative factor is…