Despite the often-negative discussion about testing in schools, assessments are a necessary and useful tool in the teaching and learning process. This is especially true when it comes to diagnostic and formative assessments, which give teachers real-time direction for what students need to learn to master course content. It is this space where the…

Illustrates how primary sources of test bias (instrument bias, item bias, and interpretation bias) can occur in a testing situation. Discusses how biases can be accounted for in testing decisions. Offers rationale for proper utilization of tests and makes a case for the renewal of test utilization in the classroom. (Author/NEC)

Asserts that failure to consider carefully the purposes and uses to which standardized tests are put can place barriers in the way of equal educational opportunities for minority students. Proposes six precautions for ensuring that standardized tests can be used without endangering equal educational opportunities. (PGD)

Problems of using standardized tests with multicultural/multilingual Alaskan native students include cultural bias and examiner bias. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) was administered to 320 Alaskan native children in an attempt to establish local norms for the WISC-R. Results showed that bicultural/bilingual children…

This critique of standardized tests begins by placing the use of such tests within a social context. It then addresses the matter of standardized testing in theory and practice in relation to teaching. The substance of standardized examinations, their common content, and the things they do not test are also explored. The relationship of good…

Issues emerging from a look at student achievement, which is defined in its usual school context as achievement on standardized tests, are addressed. A mythology about standardized testing has developed, in part because the metaphoric languages of medicine and business have been applied to education, defining it in terms of cure, efficiency, and…

After decades of criticism that standardized testing is culturally biased, the Educational Testing Service claims great strides in eliminating test bias in the Scholastic Assessment Tests and related tests and reports initiatives in cooperation with educators leading to better academic preparation for students of color. Critics still ask for…

The issue of interpretation of standard test scores of minorities is discussed. The history of the issue is reviewed. The National Academy of Science's decision to reinterpret the scores of minorities is summarized. (YP)

Reports a survey of Arizona teachers and administrators on (1) the extent to which teachers believe that standardized achievement tests reflect the language arts curriculum; (2) student reactions to standardized tests across grade levels; and (3) perceptions of the fairness of such tests across ethnicities and socioeconomic areas. Finds that…

Test scores are being used for a variety of inappropriate purposes, often to the detriment of minorities. This article recounts recent evidence on misuse of testing, offers strategies for preventing abuse, and urges professionals to take on active roles in preventing misuse of their wares. (LMO)

The objections of testing experts to standardized testing are evaluated. The report begins with a foreword by Chester E. Finn, Jr., followed by an executive summary and an introduction. Four case studies include: (1) experts' opposition to high-stakes testing in Texas; (2) in North Carolina; (3) concerns raised in connection with the National…

The accuracy and fairness of standardized testing is taken very seriously in the education world. These issues are a major focus of both the testing experts who develop standardized tests and the researchers who endeavor to ensure a test's fairness, reliability, validity, and accuracy. But many issues remain both controversial and complex. The…

Standardized examinations do not measure teacher competence because good teaching requires skills which cannot be measured accurately by standardized tests. Overreliance on standardized testing contributes to racial discrimination and exclusion of ethnic minorities from educational and professional opportunities. (IAH)

Educators are concerned about overuse or inappropriate use of standardized test scores as graduate school admission criteria, particularly for minority groups. Efforts to reduce test bias are increasing, and admissions officers are encouraged to focus more on qualitative elements of applications, such as essays, letters of recommendation, and…

The FairTest Examiner is a quarterly newsletter that discusses the appropriate use of tests and test results. Many of the features address recent events in the field of educational testing reform. The bulletin's regular features include: current news items, a list of recommended reading material, a listing of FairTest personnel, announcements of…