The controversy over standardized tests and falling scores does not address the real problem--what should be done about school learning to insure more effective in-life behaving? A basic philosophy for such a program is suggested. (Author/LS)

A new concept, instructional validity implies that a test is valid if it can be demonstrated that instruction of sufficient quality and behaviorally matched to the performance demands of the test items was offered. (Author/LS)

The drop in standardized test scores may be due to the fact that the standardization samples on the basis of whose performance the test norms were established no longer represent the testees to whom the tests are applied. (Author/LS)

Increasing student interest and motivation caused an improvement of standardized test scores. In a Pennsylvania town interest in school was stimulated by a program of high-interest activities in a high school and a junior high school. (LS)

Competency tests may be invalid because people have different kinds of problems. In addition, these tests do not measure the competency of people who solve problems in unorthodox ways. (LS)

Standardized tests of writing fail to measure what they say they measure, to measure what should be measured, and to provide information to guide teachers. There are other ways to obtain comprehensive and reliable descriptions of writing performance. (Author/LS)

Effective use of visual illustration entails consideration of specific instructional purposes, method of presentation, student characteristics, type of objectives, and cuing techniques. (LS)

Four K-12 studies and one for grades 3-4 considered which math topics could be taught most effectively with a hand-held calculator, which new mathematical topics could be successfully introduced when using such calculators, and what the implications might be for problem solving. (Author/LS)

What to consider before making selections. (LS)

How to design a programed course with successive classes of students until the role of the instructor becomes minimal. (LS)

A true elaboration of educational goals will include a set of both more and less well-structured aims, corresponding to behavioral objectives and subjectives, which can be tested respectively by direct methods and by less direct methods such as the native speaker or Turing tests. (Author/LS)

How to blame the computer for all failings, human and otherwise. (LS)