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Dataset

Consequences of Introducing Educational Testing in Northern Ireland, 1973-1977 

Authors:

  • Peter W. Airasian, Boston College
  • George F. Madaus, Boston College
  • Thomas Kellaghan, St Patrick's College
Project Date

Description

The goal of this research effort was to assess the effects of standardized tests and test results on teachers, students, and parents, as well as on school policy. Northern Ireland was chosen because of its developed educational system (in which the English language is used) and its prior lack of standardized testing. During the course of this study, three main testing treatments were implemented in all classrooms in each primary school: (1) no testing was done, (2) norm referenced ability and attainment testing was done in basic curricular areas (English, Irish, and mathematics), but pupil performance data were not returned to the teachers, and (3) norm referenced ability and attainment testing was done, and pupils' raw scores, percentiles, and standard scores were returned to teachers.