Test-Item Tendencies: Curiosity and Caution
Standardized achievement tests have attracted the favor, or flak, of citizens in our society for many years. Educators have used information from them for both summative and formative eva luation purposes. Summatively, standardizedtest results may be used to judge the degree to which a student, class, or school system has achieved desired learnings in a particular area of study. The objectivity of standardized tests fu rther allows com pari ons with other students, classes, or school systems. Today, millions of dollars are dispensed annually by governmental agencies based on standardized-test performance of students. Formatively. these test res ults may be used by teachers or cu rriculum workers in determining program directions and emphases. Whether for formative or summative purposes. caut ion has always been urged in interpreting standardized-test perform ance of students. These urgings are not always heeded.