Exam 15: Classroom Assessment, Grading, and Standardized Testing

Define and distinguish between reliability and validity. Is it necessary for a test to be valid in order for it to be reliable? Is it necessary for a test to be reliable in order for it to be valid? Explain your decisions.

Grading on the curve is an example of a criterion-referenced system.

Exhibitions differ from portfolios because exhibitions

Compare and contrast norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests and identify situations where each would be appropriate.

Howard Williams teaches a college course in educational foundations to preservice teachers. The course is intended to expose students to the historical roots of education, key philosophers, and current issues in teaching and education. 90 percent of students' grades in his course are determined by a midterm and a final exam, both consisting of 75 multiple-choice questions. The remaining 10 percent is attendance. One question on the midterm, for example, was: "The first normal school in Tennessee was established in . . ." followed by four alternatives. A question on the final was: "The philosopher identified with the progressive movement was . . ."' followed by four alternatives. When asked about the course after they had graduated, students often described it as "well taught, but meaningless." -Given that Dr. Williams will probably continue to use at least some multiple-choice testing, suggest some guidelines regarding when and how to use this testing format. Specifically, what objectives should multiple-choice questions test? How should items be constructed to improve their content validity for course objectives?

It is considered desirable to grade one essay question for the entire class before grading the next one for any student.

Jennifer, a seventh grader, received a percentile rank of 90 on a standardized vocabulary test. This percentile rank indicates that she

If scores of individuals are consistent over time, the test is said to have high ________.

All of the following statements are true of essay tests EXCEPT:

Compare and contrast formative and summative measurements. Identify the different uses of formative and summative tests in your answer.