Seventeen behaviorally disordered adolescents received training in specific test-taking skills relevant to content area and teacher-made tests. The experimental subjects scored significantly and substantially higher on a posttest of test-taking skills than did untrained matched controls. Deficits on test-taking skills may contribute to observed…

Discusses the revision of the curriculum for college-bound students. States three apparent needs: conceptual knowledge, note- and test-taking skills, and critical thinking skills. Provides suggestions for developing these areas, devoting much attention to critical thinking. (GEA)

Describes the Learning Disability Program at the University of Vermont that focuses on discovering students' central processing deficits and offering compensatory training, modifying students' academic program if necessary, and providing socioemotional support. Discusses faculty-student relationship, the State Board Exam, and program participant…

The development of an intervention program initiated by the Kentucky Department of Education to ensure that minority education majors have access to training in skills needed for standardized tests is described. (MT)

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)