It has been argued that item variance and test variance are not necessary characteristics for criterion-referenced tests, although they are necessary for norm-referenced tests. This position is in error because it considers sample statistics as the criteria for evaluating items and tests. Within a particular sample, an item or test may have no…

Discussed is the application of criterion referenced measurement techniques to the learning program of the learning disabled elementary school child. (DB)

It was the author's purpose in this short discussion to suggest that testing and grading should help the student learn better without excessive pressure of time or competition. (Author)

Presents predictions made by past presidents of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) on the future of educational research, includinq the emergence of new research methods; improvement of existing measures; changes within AERA; developments in school populations, testing, and funding; new conceptions of intelligence and aptitude;…

Describes an attempt to construct an ESL dictation test that would: (1) be appropriate for a wide range of ability, (2) be easy and fast to score, (3) consist of set items that would form both a unidimensional and cumulative scale, and (4) yield scores that would be directly interpretable with respect to specified levels of English proficiency.…

The article focuses on the controversy over norm-referenced v criterion-referenced measures (CRM) in assessment of learning disorders. The authors contend that while the reliability of CRMs is generally indisputable, the validity of measures designed from local curricula is still dependent on the intuitive judgments of teachers. (Author/SBH)

With increasing emphasis on accurate assessment and accountability, computer-based testing and simulation may signify the future for teachers wishing to keep current on technology in the classroom. If career and technical education is to use new testing technology, features such as authentic assessment and criterion-based testing must be…

The Vocational-Technical Education Consortium (V-TECHS) was formed to help develop vocational-technical materials in the use of performance objectives and criterion-referenced test items which have been validated against actual job performance. (BP)

Discusses the criterion referenced test and focuses on such questions as What is it? What are the advantages to be gained from a performance-based curriculum and criterion reference evaluation procedures? What are the disadvantages? The Science - A Process Approach program is identified as the most complete and tested example of the use of…

The paper presents 12 steps in developing and validating criterion referenced tests (CRTs). The author emphasizes the need to closely examine the test's stated purpose and trace the test through the 12 steps in order to find CRTs that are useful rather than useless. Examples are given for each step: preparing or selecting objectives; developing…

Guidelines for evaluating criterion-referenced tests and test manuals are proposed and applied to a sample of popular commercially published tests. The well-known Test Standards published by a joint committee of professional societies is helpful, though not completely applicable, and was used together with other sources in the preparation of an…

For almost 20 years, the Portland public schools have maintained a testing program anchored in locally constructed tests. The district's newly developed tests are called goal-referenced tests, a version of criterion-referenced tests, that meet the district's purposes because they reflect what well-qualified teachers in the district believe should…

A collection is presented containing four papers dealing with the subject of criterion-referenced testing. This first paper deals with criterion-referenced tests utilizing norm-referenced test items. Aspects covered include a defense of norm-referenced and criterion referenced tests and a justification for the adaptation of norm-referenced test…

A description of the design and operation of a computerized objective based instructional support system. Single-point-in-time criterion mastery testing and periodic trend test sampling combine to form a dynamic evaluation system. (Author)