The premise that there are no valid and reliable psychological tests for use with Indochinese refugees is discussed. The history of the use of tests in the United States has been promulgated as being beneficial to the minority group members exposed to them without revealing their underlying discriminatory uses. Only the System of Multicultural…

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)

A study involving 12 elementary age Hispanic children identified as gifted and placed in a creative arts program investigated the issue of identifying gifted minority group children. Ss were administered the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) and the Cartoon Conservation Scales (CCS). Comparisons were made between teacher…

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…

Focuses on the interpretation of the Sociocultural Scales and Estimated Learning Potential scales of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment by counselors making placement decisions. Presents case examples illustrating assumptions counselors must make and controversial aspects of the system. (JAC)

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)

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)

A critical view of the underlying theoretical rationale of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) model for student assessment is presented. The critique is extensive and questions the basic assumptions of the model. (JKS)

A qualitative evaluation of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) as implemented in a Colorado public school system is presented. The evaluation relies heavily on perceptions of participating administrators, and is very positive. (JKS)

A defense of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) in response to previous articles in this issue of this journal is presented by the test developer. The defense is detailed and addresses each previous article. (JKS)

Findings from the Iowa Assessment Project are examined regarding the assessment and use of information on adaptive behavior and sociocultural background in decisions about students with mild mental retardation. Background aspects reviewed include terminology regarding mild retardation; research, litigation, and legislation on the topic during the…

Use of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) with minority disadvantaged children in an urban school district resulted in increased numbers of African-American students (grades two through five) being eligible for gifted programing. Comparison with African-American students selected by traditional means found similar levels of…