Integrated Learning Systems and Standardized Test Improvement.

This paper considers some practical concepts and ideas related to standardized test score improvement in general and specifically to the World Institute for Computer-Assisted Teaching (WICAT) Integrated Learning System (ILS) use. Previous research cited in this paper shows that, while teachers are the most important variable in ILS utilization, there are several increasing levels of teacher use of ILS labs, ranging from non-participatory, novice, practitioner, integrator, to extender. Another important issue in test improvement involves the potential match between the objectives/content of the test and the objectives/content of the material covered in class during the instructional year. This paper describes in detail both the stages of teacher use of ILS and the coverage of test material. The ILS prescription test, an approach that has not yet been tested for instructional effectiveness, is also described. It is concluded that ILSs can be powerful tools for teachers. (ALF)