Society knows well that males outperform females on mathematics portions of college entrance examinations. In 2003, for example, males scored an average 537 points on the mathematics section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, while females averaged 503. Less well known is that males also show a slight advantage on the verbal portion. These gaps…

The decline in standardized test scores during the 1960s and 1970s is well documented and is seen in both aptitude and achievement test scores. This paper describes and analyzes the test score trends over the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s for five aptitude tests: (1) the Scholastic Aptitude Test; (2) the American College Test; (3) the Preliminary…

This study assesses the utility of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (A.S.V.A.B.) in predicting the academic success of students enrolled in the Automotive Service Specialist curriculum at the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical College (Alfred, New York). This document, part I of a two-part study, describes the…

The 1970-71 standardized test data for grades three, six, nine and eleven in West Virginia are summarized. The report is presented in four major sections, one each for the grades tested, with analytical information using State, county and school norm groups. Each group division has illustrated an analysis of the following data: (1) a statewide…

Respondents Harley and Sellers, both Negroes, whose applications to become police officers in the District of Columbia had been rejected, claimed that the Department's recruiting procedures, including a written test of verbal skill, were racially discriminatory. The District Court ruled that there was no intentional discrimination; but the Court…

Discusses the pros and cons of using computer software to prepare for college entrance examinations. Provides information on eight programs designed for that purpose. (TW)

A school administrator in 1928 expressed a favorable opinion of standardized intelligence and achievement tests, based on research findings correlating test scores with student achievement. Quotations from his article reveal how little the controversy over tests has changed in the intervening years. (TE)

Is there a relationship between the dollar value of property behind each student in a school district and student achievement on standardized tests (or achievement in general)? This paper explains that probably due to the relationship between property taxes and school funding, there is a strong link between property value and student achievement.…

Test validity, coaching, the college admissions process, and achievement tests are discussed by the director of the Iowa Testing Programs. Data published on the SAT are examined. It is suggested that systematic instruction in problem-solving skills may improve not only test performance but also skills the test is designed to assess. (Author/MLW)

Puts forth four hypotheses on the causes of declining Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. They are student drug use, the integration of ethnic minorities into the schools, teacher participation in collective bargaining, and humanistic education. (IRT)

The process by which the new Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and achievement tests were developed is outlined, highlighting the evolution of new formats and emphases. It is proposed that the tests, which incorporate extensive changes, encourage genuine learning and respond to increasing cultural diversity in the population. (MSE)

The aptitude tests used in Queensland (Australia) to standardize secondary school leavers' school evaluations was assessed for reliability with various student group sizes and for a range of abilities. The error found was significant for small and moderately sized groups, suggesting the need for care in test interpretation. (Author/MSE)

Meta-analysis of 225 hypothesis tests of measures of memory for order (MFO) and the relationship of MFO and measures of general ability demonstrate a significant relationship between MFO and standardized test scores. Fifty-one independent samples were tested. MFO task quality was a significant predictor of effect size. (SLD)

In 1982, a survey of California community colleges was conducted to determine which standardized tests were being used at entrance to college for matriculation and/or placement and to ascertain how satisfied users were with the instruments. Surveys were sent to administrators or staff involved with entrance and assessment practices at 106…

This annotated bibliography covers the following topics in teaching English as a second language (ESL): tests, abstracts and indices, bibliographies and reviews, overviews of ESL testing, aptitude testing, specific tests (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Michigan Test, and standardized tests), testing speaking skills, testing listening…