Reviews problems with Praxis teacher tests in Georgia and the effects of cut-scores on minority and low-income candidates. Examines issues of test bias and makes recommendations for establishing an unbiased screening system for potential teachers. (Contains 35 references.) (SK)

A study of 1,848 Chinese children from birth through 6 years of age found that the ability of Chinese children in counting, counting backward, repeating digits, repeating reversed digits, and comparable activities was stronger than was indicated by the Stanford-Binet Scale and other data. (CB)

Posits that historical details can lend credibility, spark interest, and establish context for elementary history instruction. Argues, however, that teachers must distinguish between factual details and major historical developments. Suggests textbooks, mastery learning pressures, and test construction practices contribute to the inappropriate use…

Blind vocational rehabilitation clients (N=100) were administered the Displacing and Turning tests of the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Tests after three practice trials. Subjects essentially scored lower than people with normal vision, with their means on both tests being at the first percentile of the norms for sighted persons. (Author/DB)

Legal and policy aspects of testing of hearing-impaired teachers are reviewed. Issues addressed include those associated with test administration, teacher education program reform, student aid, national efforts, and longitudinal research. (TJH)

The basis of test anxiety expressed by 219 university students (43 percent males) in a statistics course was explored, and a structural model was developed. The data indicated that anxiety felt for the statistics test differed from general test anxiety. The variables revealed as important by the model are discussed. (SLD)

This article discusses the validity of using conventional psychometric tests to assess the abilities of disadvantaged pupils, justifies the use of alternative assessment procedures, emphasizes the importance of changing teacher attitudes toward the disadvantaged gifted, and suggests ways to nurture and develop the talents of disadvantaged…

This article discusses definitional differences, survey data, and studies relevant to the question of a discernible hearing-impaired, learning-disabled subgroup. The existence of such a group is a subject of speculation, and diagnostic difficulties and the inadequacies of current standardized testing procedures have prevented the formation and…

In a study of student teachers (N=70), National Teacher Examination Core Battery tests screened out a large percentage of secondary physical education majors, with the result that they did not qualify for state certification. Physical education majors also scored significantly lower than other majors on two of the three tests. (IAH)

Examined, through analysis of questions about conflict between separated parents (N=327), three hypotheses about the relationship among frequency and intensity response questions. Found associations among related intensity items possibly stronger than those among related frequency items; associated intensity items and associated frequency items…

An analysis of current efforts underway to assess higher education student outcomes points out three potential problem areas (negative impact on curriculum and instruction; easily undermined assessment; correlation between assessment and instructional improvement) and suggests approaches to ameliorate these difficulties. (CB)

Conceptual issues arising from the use of minimum competency tests with mildly handicapped and at-risk students are examined, especially in regard to states with a policy of local option. Considered are possible bias in modifying testing procedures, reciprocity among districts, and the unknown consequences of specific modifications. (Author/DB)

This commentary supports Linda Siegel's challenge to the learning disabilities field (in EC221505) to produce data indicating that dyslexic readers differ from other poor readers in their cognitive processing, educational prognosis, and response to treatment. The commentary also points out that the existence of Matthew effects reinforces Siegel's…

The importance of using the standard error of measurement (SEm) in determining reliability in test scores is emphasized. The SEm is compared to the hypothetical true score for standardized tests, and procedures for calculation of the SEm are explained. (JDD)

In today's political climate, standardized tests are inadequate and misleading as achievement measures. Educators should employ a variety of measures, improve standardized test content and format, and remove incentives for teaching to the test. Focusing on raising test scores distorts instruction and renders scores less credible. Includes 13…