National and Local Proficiency Tests: Their Validity for an Introductory Biology Course

Abstract

The study involved comparison of three proposed proficiency tests for a two-quarter introductory biology course. One of the tests was a nationally standardized examination; the other two were locally constructed. The three tests were administered as first course pretests and as posttests each quarter of the sequence. Course grades were determined independently of the proficiency test scores. The College Entrance Examination Board's College Placement Test for Biology (CEEB Biology) yielded the highest validity between pretest scores and first and second quarter grades. Posttest scores earned during both the first and second quarter on the locally constructed Berg-Miller Proficiency Examination (BMPE) were more highly correlated with final grade in both the first and second quarter than were posttest scores on either the CEEB Biology or the locally constructed Garoian Proficiency Examination (GPE).