News items regarding dubious testing practices of educators
abound in the national press. Often educators respond to
external pressure to increase student scores by engaging
students in test-preparation activities. Because some of these
activities can result in inaccurate scores and produce negative
consequences for students, teachers, schools, parents, and the
community, it is important that teachers and administrators be
able to make educationally and ethically defensible decisions
about what types of activities can be used and in what contexts.
Additional information to assist Iowa educators in making sound
decisions regarding activities associated with preparing
students to take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) or Iowa
Tests of Educational Development (ITED) is now available. This
program, designed by Dr. Kris Waltman of The University of Iowa
Center for Evaluation and Assessment, is accessible for use by
Iowa educators. The lessons are best delivered in group settings
with opportunities for discussi