A Comprehensive Microcomputer System for Classroom Testing

This paper describes a comprehensive system of microcomputer programs that was developed as a tool for teachers to use for (a) improving instruction and classroom tests, and (b) evaluating and reporting student learning. The programs implement many of the suggestions made in standard educational measurement textbooks for how to use data from tests to improve instructional decision‐making in the classroom and to improve quality of classroom testing. The paper describes the three main components of the system: (a) a student data‐base with associated information retrieval and computational programs, (b) a test item analysis and evaluation component that can be used for guiding instruction, and (c) a test item banking and test assembly component. In the course of the description, several microcomputer program design considerations are discussed.