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The purpose of this study is to validate a test anxiety scale for Italian students. The scale is part of a questionnaire administered after the students' annual competence test by the National Institute for the Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training (INVALSI). The aim of the scale is to explore the anxiety levels of Italian students during the administration of the standardized tests at the end of the school year. A test anxiety scale has been adapted from the Motivational and Self-Regulated Learning Competence Questionnaire. In May 2009 the tests (Reading comprehension and Grammar, Math) and questionnaire were administered to a sample of 42,929 5th graders. According to Classical Test Theory, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of reliability (0.71) evaluates internal consistency of the scale. Anxiety level estimates for students, items and item thresholds--according to the Andrich Rating Scale Model (1978)--are obtained using software ConQuest. Results show that item threshold estimates are monotonous and well separated from each other, so that the more anxiety levels increase, the more the students' agreement with each item increases. Applied across gender groups the RSM (DIF analysis) reveals that gender should be taken into account in detecting test anxiety: females are more anxious than males (the model fits better for the female sample). At the same time, two of the items seem to work differently by gender. (Contains 6 figures, 6 tables, and 3 notes.) [This publication was produced by the INVALSI - National Institute for the Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training.]

The purpose of this study is to explore aspects and indicators most commonly used to assess the quality of education systems in different countries through the comparison of 12 national publications describing the state of the educational system. To compare indicators the CIPP model was chosen. This model is organized in four main parts: Context, Input, Process and Product. Each main part was then divided into categories based on the research literature (e.g., Input is divided into human, financial and material resources). Based on the CIPP model an electronic database for quality indicators comparison has been designed and implemented. This system is dynamic and easy to update. Using the database it is possible to compare countries according to several criteria (e.g., main parts and categories of the CIPP model, ISCED [International Standard Classification of Education] level, level of data collection). The database is available to the public and is designed for researchers and scholastic decision makers. A first comparison shows that processes at the classroom level are rarely considered, whereas public financial resources as well as achievement results are always included. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings of the comparison, as well as suggestions for future research aimed at further defining relevant indicators for the assessment of education quality." An appendix presents: "The on-line database: structure and functions. (Contains 5 figures and 7 footnotes.) [This paper was produced by INVALSI - National Institute for the Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training.]