Application of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children and Estimated Learning Potential measures for 149 White, 128 Black, 125 Hispanic, and 122 Native American Papago students sharply reduced the number and percentages of children eligible for mild mental retardation classification in all…

After considering how an estimate of learning potential (ELP) is derived from the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment, shows that most of the characteristics of ELP deemed to be important are generated by statistical artifacts. Notes that the fundamental assumption underlying ELP is without supportive evidence. (Author)

Recent court cases leave unresolved the controversy over the presence of bias in major tests involving assessment of minority children throughout the country. Federal legislation has emphasized the need for establishing nonbiased testing procedures, and many changes in the assessment repertoire will occur in the next few years. (FG)

The paper discusses test bias; presents the rationale of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA), a test instrument which assumes equal cultural and racial intellectual potential but asserts that there is not one normal curve of measured intellectual performance; and suggests that the test would correct racial and cultural test…

The System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) is presented as a means of reducing some of the cultural problems of current intelligence tests used with American Indian children. (Author/DLS)

The study evaluated the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA), an approach to nondiscriminatory assessment, with special emphasis on its impact on educational decisionmaking and on educational planning for exceptional children. Initial chapters focus on the SOMPA's theoretical framework contrasted to traditional assessment…

A defense is presented against the criticism that school psychologists who critically evaluate the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) are biased (TM 504 174). (MH)

The paper describes the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA), a method of meeting the nondiscriminatory assessment requirements of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). The need for nondiscriminatory assessment and types of nondiscriminatory tests (such as culture fair, culture specific, and Piagetian…

The System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) is an assessment system compatible with Public Law 92-142. A general description of SOMPA is provided. (JKS)

A multiple regression analysis was conducted using teacher rating items as criterion variables and age, sex, race, weight, height, physical dexterity, and intelligence quotient (IQ) as predictor variables. Moderate correlations were noted. Implications of the results are discussed regarding relative bias of psychometric instruments and teacher…

Discusses issues pertinent to the testing of Hispanic children whose learning difficulties may indicate a handicap. Describes the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) (Mercer and Lewis, 1979), reviews the educational status of Hispanic children in the United States, and outlines preliminary findings from the SOMPA II project.…

The System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) is described as an example of the structural and cultural pluralistic model of assessment. Mercer's concept of estimated learning potential is described and the medical, social, and pluralistic models are mentioned. Standardization, test administration, validation, and the manuals are…

A critical review of the psychometric properties of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) model for student assessment is presented. The review criticizes the lack of validity of some of the measures but praises the goals of the system. (JKS)

Issues surrounding the concept of nonbiased assessment, particularly with economically disadvantaged minority students, are analyzed. The legal requirements are focused on thorough discussion of litigation and legislation. The second section explores research on the use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R). Research…

Examines the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) in terms of the multicultural model, philosophical basis, and environments in which any assessment strategy must function. Concludes that multiple normal distributions are not justified based on variance accounted for in WISC-R (Wechsler Intellegence Scale for Children-Revised)…