PUB TYPE Speeches/Conference Papers (150) Reports

Given the frequency with which teachers use self-developed tests to evaluate students, and given the paucity of requirements related to developing measurement competencies, some educators and measurement specialists question the adequacy of teachers ' training in and knowledge of measurement principles. This study assesses teachers ' measurement training and the extent to which their measurement knowledge is adequate to develop quality classroom tests. Forty-one 7th- and 8th-grade science and mathematics teachers were assessed using a 65-item multiple-choice test and an interview protocol. Participants were asked to identify violations of item writing principles in 32 multiple-choice and completion items. Three questions were addressed: (1) What was the nature and extent of measurement training? (2) What measurement knowledge and skills did these teachers possess? and (3) What teacher characteristics are..-elated to their measurement knowledge? Results indicated tha