Hypotheses for the decline in the Scholastic Aptitude Test scores can be listed under four headings: changes in society, changes in the schools, changes in the testing population, and problems with the tests. However, it is concluded that SAT scores are still constant and reliable measures. (JY)

Kapes and Sievert's (1973) research on the difference between wooden and plastic peg boards for the GATB is replicated. The results indicate that individuals tested on the wooden equipment perform significantly higher than those tested on the plastic equipment. (Author/PC)

This article emphasizes identifying for the practitioner those qualities of situations and individuals which have been shown to have major effects on performance in testing situations. Recommendations for testing practices are made, and the dangers inherent in acceptance of test results as the sole basis for personnel decisions are pointed out.…

The implications of standardized testing for minority students are explored. Test terminology is described in terms of objectivity, standardization, reliability, and validity. Primarily, however, the paper reviews the objectivity of standardized testing, that is, of those tests which are either norm-referenced or criterion-referenced. The use of…

To shed as much light on the declining test score phenomenon as possible, pertinent American College Testing data are presented here in a succinct question and answer format. (JY)

The place of testing in education is discussed. It is concluded that tests should be used as the supplements they are intended to be, and they should be used after thorough examination of their suitability has been made by test and education experts. (Author)

When used appropriately, standardized assessments can assist education reform by tracking individual or group progress and achievement levels and indicating college readiness. Credibility and validity can be improved by preventing student exclusions, using multiple indicators, stressing year-to-year performance, monitoring consequences, and…

The general decline in wide-range achievement and scholastic aptitude test scores over the past few years is examined with particular regards to who is taking the test and the relationship between test objectives and school objectives. (JY)

Article presented a true story of how two cities ran testing programs and the lessons that can be learned from their failures. (Editor/RK)

More suitable criteria was needed to evaluate "mature" students or those over 21 who had not completed all senior matriculation requirements for admission to the University of Lethbridge. This study was designed to compare the performance of "mature" students and several groups of regularly admitted freshmen on the College…

Specially constructed "speeded" and "unspeeded" forms of a Reading Comprehension section of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) were administered to regular center and fee-free center LSAT candidates in an effort to determine: (1) if the test was more speeded for fee-free candidates, and (2) if reducing the amount of…

Illustrates the importance of carefully interpreting reading test results. (JT)

The Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) was developed in order to examine the extent to which Title I (now Chapter 1) is remediating the disadvantages in basic skills of educationally deprived children. TIERS Model A contrasts the achievement of Chapter 1 students to publishers' norms for hypothetically comparable groups of students.…

This paper discusses standard error of measurement (SEM), the amount of variation or spread in the measurement errors for a test, and gives information needed to interpret test scores using SEMs. SEMs at various score levels should be used in calculating score bands rather than a single SEM value. (SLD)