Typically administered
     -annually
     -semi annually

Administered for which reasons?  They are designed to:
     -determine how well students have profited from schooling and other life experiences
            (in comparison with other of their age or grade)
     -predict future potential
     -screen for possible disabilities
     -determine effectiveness of the curriculum and/or instruction
     -compare classes, schools, school systems on
      -skill development
      -progress since previous testing
 

Can be either:
     -Multiple skill area batteries which usually evaluate subject areas such as:
      -Reading
      -Math
      -Social studies
      -Science
      -Written language
      -General information
      -Single skill area tests (often called "aptitude tests")
 

Who might do poorly on a group administered achievement test?
     -LD, ADD, ADHD, MR, BD, Visually impaired, HI and H of H, etc.
     -Recent immigrant...don't yet understand the test questions that ask about American culture
     -English Language Learners...may not understand question asked in English or be able to express self well.
     -Kids new to district who didn't have the same curriculum at the previous school
 
 

Disadvantages of group administered achievement tests?
     -May not reflect the curriculum
     -Provides no information on how students arrived at their answers
     -Provides limited information on a pupil's strengths or weaknesses
 

So how do we get more specific information on why a student performed poorly?
     -Individual achievement testing
      -diagnostic achievement test
      -group test given individually
            (test must have complete behavior samples like in a diagnostic achievement test)
 

Individualized achievement testing allows the examiner to:
   -watch a student's approach
   -ask questions
   -observe ability of youngster to remain on task
 

Most are norm referenced.    Some are also criterion referenced.
 

We'll look at:
 Stanford Achievement Test (grades 1-9)
 Stanford Test of Academic Skills (grades 9-13)
 Stanford Early School Achievement Test (Pre-K to grade 1)
 Stanford Reading Assessment (K-12)
 Metropolitan Achievement Tests (K-12)
 Iowa Tests of Basic Skill, Achievement & Proficiency (K-12)
 California Achievement Test (K-12)