A brief review of the types and uses of tests, to aid parents in interpreting their children's test scores, is presented. Tests covered include classroom tests, standardized tests, achievement tests, aptitude tests, norm-referenced tests, and criterion-referenced tests. Issues associated with test reliability and validity are addressed and the…

Data from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and achievement tests and from the High School and Beyond Survey were examined to explore: (1) differences among states in the amount of coursework taken by high school students; (2) differences across states in SAT achievement test scores; (3) the relationship between course taking and achievement; and…

An introduction by Barbara S. Plake emphasizes that this volume investigates social and technical influences on test development and usage. Essential preliminary information on how tests can be used and may be interpreted is presented. Under the heading "Social and Technical Influences" are: (1) "Struggles and Possibilities: The Use…

This handbook, in two parts, constitutes a manual prepared by the American Federation of Teachers, for improving teachers' use of standardized tests. Part I outlines basic concepts and issues surrounding standardized testing for teachers, parents and school administrators. The terms norm-referenced tests, criterion referenced tests, minimum…

This paper summarizes some of the issues involved in educational testing. First, it describes four of the fundamental characteristics of tests: whether they are measures of aptitude or achievement, whether they require students to produce or just recognize the best answer, whether they are interpreted in relationship to the scores of other…

The conference panels were organized around three topics: (1) influences of cultural background on test performance; (2) uses and limitations of factor analysis in psychological research; and (3) information which should be provided by test publishers and testing agencies on the validity and use of their tests. Panelists for the first session…

A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the U.S. Employment Service's Specific Aptitude Test Battery (SATB) for plumber/pipe fitter from three aspects: technical adequacy of the research; fairness to minorities; and usefulness in the selection of individuals for training as plumber/pipe fitter apprentices. The validation sample consisted of…

This article surveys the College Entrance Examination Board's future program, in a possible move toward establishment of a national secondary school curriculum. Attention is focused on the future content of tests and on their effects on young people. The existing program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) and the way the program…

This report is one in a series of needs assessment publications that comprise the first phase of PROJECT DESIGN, an ESEA Title III project administered by the Fresno City Unified School District. The purpose of this study was to develop an achievement analysis model and to analyze achievement of students in the Fresno City Schools with reference…

This directory was compiled to assist vocational teachers and researchers in locating tests in various occupational fields. Test data was gathered from publishers, directors of vocational programs, union officials, and members of the American Vocational Association. Selection of the instruments depended on their availability and standardization,…

Part of the New Canadian Study required the examination of general ability measures. The requisites were that the measure selected be applicable for Grades 5 to 9 and that it could be administered to students with a limited command of English. Included in this report are: (1) a summary of the considerations involved in selecting a general…

This document provides an overview of the third edition of "A Counselor's Guide to Career Assessment Instruments" to be published in 1994 and a brief review of the nearly 300 instruments included in the guide. The history of the guide's development and its major components are outlined. Presented next are brief descriptions of 16 recently…

This compendium of statistical data on adult literacy assessments spanning a 75-year period is designed to serve as a concise and comprehensive reference source for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. The introduction provides a theoretical framework for interpreting the assessments described. Summarized in Part 1 are major military and…

Arranged alphabetically by title, the bibliography lists 92 tests, designed for use with students ranging from preschoolers to adults, that are measures of proficiency in English as a second language. Each citation provides title, author, copyright date, age level suitability, publisher, and a brief annotation describing the purpose of the test.…

Descriptions and the summary results of each evaluation instrument used in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District (AISD) for evaluation and testing in the 1981-82 school year are provided. The instruments considered include the Scholastic Aptitude Test, American College Test, Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, Sequential Tests of…