The author discusses three methodological obstacles to the effective measurement of career maturity. These are: (1) linear versus nonlinear time functions; (2) longitudinal versus cross-sectional developmental data collection designs; and (3) maturational versus error variance on the estimation of test-retest reliability. (RP)

Five new test batteries are reviewed: California Achievement Tests, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, Metropolitan Achievement Tests, SRA Achievement Series, and Sequential Tests of Educational Progress. The review covers six basic areas: test administration, norming, test scores, reporting and interpretation, aptitude test considerations, and general…

Because the skills tested on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are higher order skills than those of basic literacy, teaching basic literacy will not necessarily improve SAT scores. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which does test literacy, indicates that students do possess basic literacy skills. (IRT) Aspect of National…

Test repetition is a significant phenomenon in standardized admissions testing in terms of the numbers of examinees involved. This study was initiated to determine what additional advice might be offered to test takers contemplating repetition of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and test users confronted with how to interpret multiple test…

Most problems with tests have to do with their use, misuse, or lack of use. Test scores can be of value to teachers who know how and how not to use them. The purpose of this booklet is to provide a brief overview of standardized testing and to explain some of the commonly used terminology. Topics discussed include: teacher-made and standardized…

It is argued that aptitude and achievement tests designed for much older students are invaluable for finding extremely high ability at younger ages, particularly in mathematical and verbal reasoning. Results of the first two years of the Study of Mathematically and Scientifically Precocious Youth (SMSPY) are examined to show that considerable…

Examines the research methods used in creating the National Association of Secondary School Principals volume "Guidelines for Improving SAT Scores." (IRT)

This study investigated sex differences on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) subtests for retarded males and females who were matched in terms of WISC-R Full Scale IQ's. Sample consisted of 126 children. Evidence from the investigation indicated that a significant interaction effect existed between sex and subtest…

This paper is concerned with the norm-referenced, standardized achievement, aptitude, and intelligence tests that are being administered to elementary and secondary school children in our schools today. Why do school systems continue the use of standardized tests despite all the abuse being heaped on the practice? (Author)

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)

Four research papers on the evaluation of the Utah State Department of Employment Security's (USES's) General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) for the deaf are presented. The studies were conducted by the test research staff of the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina from 1970 to 1979. The studies contain not only the analyses on which…

The study is a simple statistical analysis of the ACT scores of the 1974-75 Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge graduates. Graduate students awarded advanced degrees are not included. For each college and field of study and for each of five ACT tests, these data are given: number of students, mean, middle two-thirds; range, standard deviation,…

Argues that standardized IQ, aptitude, and achievement tests are biased against persons of low socioeconomic status. (IRT)

Hawaii's testing program for 1971-72 is described, and test results are provided. Following an introduction and a glossary of technical terminology, narrative summaries of all the tests administered are provided. These tests are: California Test of Mental Maturity; California Achievement Test--Reading; SCAT; STEP--Reading, Mathematics, Writing,…

The GRE Board established the Research Program to investigate ways to improve the GRE and its overall operation. Approximately 30 projects have been undertaken and funded by the GRE Board; perhaps a third of these have been completed. These projects can be divided into three groups: (1) those dealing with product or process or marketing…