Examines why analytical thinking should be a major focus of teaching in the reading and writing classroom. (HOD)

A survey of 479 graduating seniors from three different high schools reveals the majority of the students were not adequately trained in study skills. Includes a copy of the survey questionnaire. (MD)

In 1982, Lansing (Michigan) Public Schools took the stance that their low Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) scores were not reflective of what their students really knew and that, with some short- and long-range planning, scores would improve dramatically. The districtwide effort is briefly described here. (BW)

This handbook provides information for persons who are preparing to take a test for certification in the plastics industry. The nine sections of the handbook provide information on the following: (1) the mission of the Society of the Plastics Industry and the value of the National Certification in Plastics; (2) tips on preparing for the exam; (3)…

This handbook guides teachers through nine workshops designed to share strategies for success on writing tests. The workshops in the handbook give practical ideas that can be implemented in the elementary classroom to set the stage for test success without compromising children's growth as writers. Following a foreword by Michael R. Sampson and…

Studied factors that might differentially underlie test anxiety and academic performance of college students (N=72). Results revealed that high anxious students differed from low anxious students on traditional cognitive and somatic indicators of text anxiety but not on any measure of study or test-taking skills. (WAS)

The fact that the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is susceptible to coaching does not mean it is a poor test. The abilities measured by it are acquired, apart from test-wiseness. Even though some uses of the scores in admissions may be discriminatory, the test itself is fair, uniform, and judiciously administered. (MSE)

A special preparation curriculum for the analytical section of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test was developed and administered to self-selected GRE candidates. Analyses revealed an effect that stemmed from improved performance on two of the three analytical item types formerly included in the analytical section. (Author/PN)

Study time and test performance change as a function of expecting either open or multiple-choice questions on a history test. Subjects tested in either format were led to expect the same test format on a second test. Subjects expecting open questions studied more and performed better on both test formats. (Author/CM)

Two studies examined the extent to which test takers use plausibility as a method for locating correct responses when guessing and the extent to which scores can be improved by teaching test takers this approach. Results confirm that this aspect of multiple choice items merits further consideration by test constructors. (Author/BW)

In two trials, subjects completed the Depression Adjective Checklist as they felt, or were instructed to "fake good,""fake bad," or "fake average." Discussed findings for "fake bad" and "fake good" in terms of ability of an examiner to detect the manipulative set through grossly deviant scores.…

The article presents a review of test abuse and misuse with the Chicano. It reviews several measures undertaken to rectify abuses and misuses of tests but that have frequently been the source of new problems while not really ameliorating the basic condition, e.g., test translations, adding points, renorming test scores, and importing tests. (NQ)

Many states have limitations on the number of times a student may retake the bar exams, but a variety of preparatory techniques can increase chances of success: hypnosis, reduction of test anxiety, better studying techniques. (Journal availability: 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, $1.00.) (MSE)

High and low academic achievers from each of two grades, fourth and seventh, were assigned to one of two experimental conditions. Some were told they were going to take a test. Others were told they would play a game. Findings suggest that game task-definition does not always enhance performance. (Author/BEF)