For the most part, standardized tests are verbal and presuppose that the test takers know the language, culture, and values of the test makers, who usually represent white, middle class language and values. The communication problems that minority groups face when taking standardized tests include phonological biases (especially when the tests are…

Different viewpoints regarding educational testing are described. While some people advocate continuing reliance upon standardized tests, others favor the discontinuation of such achievement and intelligence tests. The author recommends a moderate view somewhere between these two extremes. Problems associated with standardized testing in the…

In order to permit teachers to tailor their instruction in the introduction of the SPPED Multiple Choice Cloze to their students, this training manual provides a package of lesson plans and materials developed by the System for Pupil and Program Evaluation and Development (SPPED). The materials include Student Guides for grade 1, grades 2-3,…

In this research project, the problems studied were as follows: (1) Are there differences in scanning patterns between preschool children who show Positional Response Sets (PRS) and normal adults? (2) Do the techniques utilized in "An Exploration of PRS in Disadvantaged children and a Technique for Reduction of Such Sets" change scanning patterns?…

An intensive 10-day peer tutor training component is described as a key element in the success of a peer tutoring program in mathematics for 21 low-achieving second graders. Results suggest the program's effectiveness in increasing the speed and accuracy of responses on written speed tests of addition facts. (Author/JW)

Analyzes the results of previous studies that examined the effects of teaching test-taking skills to elementary school children. Concludes that training in test-taking skills is differentially effective for various subgroups of children, longer training programs are more effective, and training is more effective in the upper elementary grades than…

Two studies on the relationship between taking a commercial coaching course and performance on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) are reported. In both studies, one on repeating examinees and another on first-time examinees, differences in scores favoring coached examinees were found on the science knowledge and problems subtests.…

Describes an experiment in which 21 first-year university students were trained in study techniques, then followed through their first examination. When their examination results were compared with those of control groups, statistically significant differences were found, indicating that elaborate study skills can be learned and may facilitate…

Indicates that certain items in reading comprehension tests are not measuring for hearing impaired students the particular reading skill they are intended to measure. Argues for a word/idea association strategy as the explanation for this and briefly discusses its relevance for testing and educating the hearing impaired. (FL)

Discusses the problem of and solution to anxiety in school testing situations. Focuses on Hill and his colleagues' long term program of research. Describes school intervention studies where new evaluation procedures and teaching programs have been developed to help students perform better in evaluative situations. (CB)

The purpose of this document is to familiarize educators and parents with the text-based portion of the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) writing assessment for third grade. The DSTP writing assessment consists of one "stand-alone" writing prompt (representing 2/3 of the overall writing score) and one "text-based" prompt…

CASAS, in cooperation with the CASAS National Consortium Policy Council, conducted a study to provide guidance to program and instructional staff regarding student readiness to take the GED Tests. The study looked at the relationship of CASAS reading and math scores to official 2002 GED test results from five states--California, Hawaii, Iowa,…

This document consists of 14 articles which appeared in the electronic news bulletin, "EducationNews.org," and which were part of a series on "Test Bashing," a discussion of the use of standardized tests that focuses on controversies surrounding the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills and test score improvements in Texas. The…

This book is intended to provide a systematic approach to improving the test performances of students with disabilities in the context of the increased inclusion of these students in state and district educational assessments. Chapters include guides for decisions and forms to document them and to track student progress. Each chapter also provides…

This paper presents a matrix that represents the scope and sequence of the written communication portion of the Georgia Quality Core Curriculum language arts component. It lists 50 key skills in written communication (such as uses dictionaries, locates information using reference sources, uses various sources for information, develops a simple…