This article examines 10 critical factors to be considered in selecting a well constructed standardized tests. The 10 factors may serve as model selection criteria for educational practitioners who are responsible for selecting tests for Black students. (Author/DOW)

Explores such myths as competency-based graduation requirements are a repudiation of humanistic concerns, the public won't accept subjective measures of competence, and requiring students to pass proficiency tests before graduation will increase public support for education. Offers suggestions for developing new kinds of graduation requirements.…

Discusses recent educational development including the role of the family in educating children, the effectiveness of career awareness programs, and the validity of standardized tests. (RK)

Suggests criteria to be used in the selection of a standardized test. Analyzes 12 standardized middle school science tests according to the percentage of questions in each of Bloom's categories. (CP)

While raising the SAT scores of students is a worthy goal, it is important not to lose sight of the need for teachers to develop their own professional knowledge, so they may broaden the vision of pupils and give them an understanding of the importance of human interaction in the world beyond the classroom. (JD)

Discusses low reading levels, the drop in SAT scores, and the drop in language enrollments in relation to the study of classics.

A recent study of "A Better Chance" students indicates that minority students do succeed at selective colleges but that their successes cannot be predicted by SAT scores alone. Findings of a study of 334 black and Spanish-surnamed students enrolled at 20 top American colleges are reported. (LBH)

Describes social trends that, since the 1960s, have spawned new forms and uses of standardized testing, including educational growth, shifts in the locus of school control, and politicization of education. Discusses the new state-mandated tests. Presents a set of propositions to guide understanding of the testing debate and controversy. (KH)

Evidence from recent studies of college graduate test performance, employment patterns, and salary levels challenge the common assumption that college study of the humanities is impractical. (MSE)

In an investigation of trends in grade inflation, the grade point averages and Medical College Admission Tests scores for medical school applicants in all undergraduate colleges with at least five such applicants were compared over four years. (MSE)

Investigates the reading-writing relationship, emphasizing theories postulating identicality of knowledge use. Administered four reading measures and eight writing measures to second and fifth graders and found few correlations between reading and writing variables. Suggests little improvement arises from combining reading and writing or from…

This article examines the effect of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (P-PST) and the Examination for the Certification of Teachers in Texas (ExCET) on Hispanics and Blacks and the tests' implications for the future pool of minorities in preservice teacher education programs and in the teaching force. (JL)

The use of tests or grade point averages as the sole criterion for teacher certification or entrance into teacher education programs raises many concerns, especially about the future of minorities as teachers. This thesis is discussed and some alternatives to such standards are suggested. (JL)

The efficacy of Raven's Matrices in the gifted identification process is reviewed, focusing on their reliability, validity, and fairness and comparing them with other intelligence tests. It is concluded that, despite problems with narrowness of scope and standardization practices, these tests provide a useful screening device for intellectually…