Explains achievement test scores, focusing on types, uses, meanings, and relative importance. Describes currently used scales, normal distribution curves, percentile ranks, grade equivalents, and other rating systems. Advises inclusion of more than one kind of standardized test score, since each provides different information. Includes three…

This paper explores the ways results of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data might be communicated to a variety of audiences, each with differing needs for information, interest in its findings, and sophistication in interpreting the results. The paper describes market-basket reporting as a feasible alternative to traditional…

This study developed two methods for estimating the effect of schooling on achievement test scores that control for the endogeneity of schooling by postulating that both schooling and test scores are generated by a common unobserved latent ability. The methods were applied to data on schooling and test scores. Estimates from the two methods are in…

The purpose of this paper is to promote local norms as a new way of reporting Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) results for Miami-Dade County district. The norms would: (1) show a student's relative standing in the district, and (2) show the student's growth compared to similar students. This paper presents questions about local norms,…

In one Oswego, New York school, a study showed no significant differences in spelling or spontaneous writing for children taught different alphabets in beginning reading. (DR)

Information on a wide variety of tests used in schools is provided. The purposes for which principals and teachers employ test results and their feelings about how successful test data are in helping them to meet their goals are discussed. (Author/PN)

Rebuts articles asserting that the steep decline in school test scores has been stopped. (IRT)

Investigates whether today's students would score as well as students of the 1930-1950 era on achievement tests. Uses the Progressive Achievement Test, a test widely used in the 1930-1950 era as a barometer of student ability. (RK)

Compares elementary and secondary schools in the Netherlands with respect to the consistency of achievement scores across subjects at individual and school levels. The analysis shows less consistency at the student level within schools. At the school level, consistency appears lower in secondary education. (SLD)

Analyzed academic achievement scores of 115 African American students referred for psychological examination. Although tests purported to measure the same mathematics or reading constructs, statistically significant mean differences were present in four of six comparisons. Reading comprehension measures shared the lowest amount of common variance.…

Using multiple analytic methods, we examined the fit between 2 concurrent policy mandates in Florida--the adoption of core reading programs in high-poverty schools, and the retention of third graders who scored at the lowest levels on the state assessment. We first examined 2 contemporary third-grade basal reading programs for the guidance offered…

This report contains tables of District summary data for the achievement tests administered in the spring of the 1982-83 school year to all Austin Independent School District students in grades K-12. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) were administered in grades K-8, the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress (STEP) were administered in…

The Atlanta Public Schools administers a systemwide achievement testing program annually to assess the academic progress of students enrolled in kindergarten through the eleventh grades. The California Achievement Tests (CAT) were adopted in 1980 for that purpose. The results of the 1983 administration of the CAT are reported in this document. A…

These two pamphlets describe the evaluation process for Elementary Secondary Education Act Title I programs. In nontechnical language, they define evaluation, discuss the evaluation method used with Title I programs, and explain the format and content of the summary evaluation reports. The first pamphlet is in English; the second is a Spanish…