Selection and Analysis of Language Arts Concepts for Inclusion in Tests of Concept Attainment. Working Paper No. 59.

The procedures used to develop a list of concepts taught in fourth-grade language arts are described. Thirty concepts from the list were randomly sampled and then analyzed. Analysis consisted of listing examples and non-examples, relevant and irrelevant attributes, subordinates and supraordinates, and a definition and principle for each concept. Based upon these analyses, items were written to test the attainment of each of the 30 concepts at twelve different levels. The items represent the application of a test-item model that prescribes the levels at which a concept can be tested. Analyses of the 30 selected concepts and illustrative examples of test items are presented in this paper. Two appendices are included, the first concerning logical analyses of language arts concepts regarding words, and the second concerning logical analyses of language arts concepts regarding word in sentences. (Author/DI)