Educational assessment and, more broadly, educational research in the United States have entered into an era characterized by a dramatic increase in the prevalence and importance of test score use in accountability systems. This volume covers a selection of contemporary issues about testing science and practice that impact the nation's public…

A 26-step plan is offered to help raise students' standardized test scores. (MT)

Research shows that most students who received test-wiseness training scored much higher than did students of equal ability who had no training. Familiarity with the test format, the test-taking situation, and the conventions of the test contribute to good performance. (MT)

Students with learning disabilities can prepare for the SATs (Stanford Achievement Tests) by (1) counseling sessions to discuss college prerequisites and pre-admission tests; (2) taking more academic courses or procuring necessary remedial help; (3) school personnel identifying and correcting skill weaknesses; and (4) discussing abuses and uses of…

Administrators can improve the test scores at their schools by working with teachers so that they understand the purpose of the testing and by developing a plan for communicating with parents and the community about the testing program. (MLF)

This book focuses on curricular issues involved in preparing students for taking the SAT I--Reasoning Test using a problem-solving focus. There is a particular philosophy with which this book is presented. First, the illustrations have been selected to demonstrate in dramatic form the power of the procedure presented. Second, the problems both in…

Describes a test-taking course designed to prepare seventh-grade students for the SAT.

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

A discussion of appropriate ways of preparing students to take standardized tests is presented for school administrators. The point at which preparation practices move beyond the ethical depends on the inferences one wishes to draw from test scores. Inferences drawn from test scores are general in nature and will be inaccurate if instruction is…

Standardized reading tests are likely to provide an inaccurate assessment of reading comprehension for deaf students due to the lack of test coaching and test taking skills; item irrelevancy; and the difficulty of test directions. Testing alternatives include parent and teacher observation of students and qualitative evaluations of reading skills…

Tips on improving student test scores fall into two categories: format training and environmental conditions. Environmental conditions include notifying parents of the test, emphasizing the importance of the test, and giving the test in familiar surroundings. Format training includes explaining multiple-choice options and answer sheets. (MLF)

Discusses test-taking skills and their application to tests of reading achievement. Presents a rationale for teaching these skills, lists a comprehensive set of skills relevant to standardized reading tests, and offers suggestions for teaching the skills and helping children use them. (FL)

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)

There are many connections between good test taking practices and good general learning practices. This article offers strategies related to reading and math instruction and testing. It also describes how to teach students the fundamentals of standardized tests. Tips for reducing test stress are provided. (SM)

Because test scores reflect not only a student's knowledge in a given area, but also his or her familiarity with cues present in the test, and because tests are so prevalent and important in schools, there is a great need to teach test wiseness skills. It is ethical to do so if no material from the final test is included. Certain principles and…