The practical problems of constructing and using culture fair intelligence tests cannot be solved without a thorough theoretical analysis of research findings on cultural differences and on structures and definitions of intelligence, especially the concepts of fluid and crystallized intelligence. Part of a theme issue on intelligence. (Author/SJL)

Three trends in adaptive behavior measurement are noted: (1) an awareness of the paucity of suitable scales; (2) sensitivity to the effects of adaptive behavior in the declassification of students previously labeled under outdated procedures; and (3) the use of measures for identification and intervention with emotionally disturbed students.…

Observes that the improvement of reading scores is not a legitimate educational goal, notes that reading abilities are inseparable from other modes of linguistic expression, and proposes many types of activities for teaching language in a context involving increasing knowledge of the uses of language in different subjects. (GT)

Criticizes the revised examination for the English Certificate, Oral Section, on these points: validity and reliability of the examination forms, and claims of authenticity, range, and accuracy in evaluation of language competence in the section called "Everyday Situations." (IFS/WGA)

Procedures used to verify and validate the translation of tests, questionnaires, and other paper-and-pencil measurement devices for cross-cultural use are discussed. Recommendations are suggested for improving translation efforts. (MH)

The Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices and a Piagetian battery were administered to a sample of hearing-impaired elementary school children under six different conditions. Results indicated that scores varied as a function of the degree and type of feedback or elaboration. (JKS)

While the practice of students evaluating their instructors has become common in many institutions of higher learning, and properly so, care should be taken that instructors who use both objective and subjective formats in their classroom testing not be disadvantaged as a result of this. (Author)

A look at the history of intelligence testing suggests that those most closely allied with intelligence testing were often least able to see the larger issues. Input is needed from those who have examined broader currents in the history and sociology of ideas. New ideas must be cultivated to avoid redundancy in the field. (SLD)

Issues that must be addressed in the large-scale application of computerized adaptive testing are explored, including considerations of test design, scoring, test administration, item and item bank development, and other aspects of test construction. Possible solutions and areas in which additional work is needed are identified. (SLD)

In this study, over 100 teachers completed open-ended surveys on how they prepare students for the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills and the test's effects on students, teachers, and schools. High-stakes testing has become the object rather than the measure of teaching and learning, negatively affecting curriculum, teacher decision making,…

Discussion of problems in documenting student performance and progress focuses on middle-secondary subject matter, the state standards that are fundamental to most large-scale assessment systems, and curriculum text structures that limit the type of learning that can be documented. It suggests critical thinking measures as an alternative procedure…

C. Davis and M. Cowles (1989) analyzed a total trait anxiety score on the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS)--a unidimensional construct that this multidimensional measure does not assess. Data are reanalyzed using the appropriate scoring procedure for the EMAS. Subjects included 145 undergraduates in 1 of 4 testing conditions. (SLD)

Introduces this issue of "The Counseling Psychologist," which considers several contemporary developments and issues in the areas of testing and assessment and their relevance for counseling psychologists. Topics examined by the papers are identified, along with five additional current issues in testing and assessment. (Author/TE)

Undergraduate students (N=106) in a psychoeducational testing course were required to administer the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised to the instructor. Only 29.2 percent were able to administer the test error-free, indicating that a one-semester course is insufficient preparation for special educators to become effective test…

President Bush and the nation's governors have proposed that by 2000, all children will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 with demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter and use of their minds. This article discusses the improvements needed in curriculum and testing, teachers and teaching, and school superstructures. Includes 39 references.…