This paper discusses some of the problems posed by external testing, including the social and racial complexities and the serious intellectual issues raised by the nature of a "standardized" examination. It is argued that these and other problems are likely to intensify to an unprecedented degree during the next several years as a result of…

Discusses state-mandated assessment at the university level, as experienced in one department of communication. Offers five recommendations to ensure integrity in a politically motivated process. (SR)

A study was conducted to determine if there was a significant mean difference in achievement, as measured by the Advanced Test of the Graduate Record Examination or the Field Test of the Undergraduate Assessment Program, between six departments at the main campus and six departments at the extension campus of Florida Southern College. The…

This updated compilation of state certification requirements for library media specialists lists titles of certificates or endorsement areas; academic preparation, experience, and recommendations needed; and required standardized tests. A second table lists knowledge/subject areas/competencies related to administration, technology/audiovisuals,…

Based on the increased public pressure of the governors in Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky for higher education to make significant strides in "outcomes assessment," a national survey of the 361 colleges and universities identified in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication directory as having undergraduate…

A study correlating graduate student fields of study, as defined by three Biglan dimensions for classifying departments, with certain student characteristics (age, citizenship, gender, Graduate Record Examination scores, level of degree pursued, and undergraduate grades) is reported. (MSE)

The four position statements included in this occasional paper are the products of a conference involving the New York State Association of Teacher Educators and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education--New York State, on "Who Will Be the Teachers of the Future.""Entry Level Testing in New York State,"…

Three common policies used by English departments in Kuwait universities to accommodate the students in appropriate course types and levels are discussed and compared from a practical perspective. The three policies are concerned with placement tests and remedial courses and are intended to: (1) place students with high scores on the standardized…

Standardized tests of writing ability have individual and shared limitations and deficiencies that should be acknowledged by test designers and users. Most institutions use the portions of standardized tests that test ability to proofread and edit, but they do not use the optional essay sections that actually require students to write. To assure…

Evaluation methods for master's degree programs should be substantially different from those currently used for doctoral degree programs. Three current methods, that of Beverley Hurlbert, that of Jack Gourman, and that using departmental reputations as the major criterion, are insufficient. Elements that should be included in the evaluation are…