Many seem to believe that researcher-made tests are unnecessary, if not inappropriate, for evaluating reading comprehension interventions. We suggest that this view reflects a zeitgeist in which researcher-made (proximal) tests that align with the researchers' interventions are closely scrutinized and often devalued, whereas commercially developed…

In "The Testing Charade: Pretending to Make Schools Better", the author's new book from which this article is drawn, the failures of test-based accountability are documented and some of the most egregious misuses and outright abuses of testing are described, along with some of the most serious negative effects. Neither good intentions…

Carefully collected, quantifiable evidence must be assembled regarding not only the content representativeness of a test but also the significance of that content. In addition, the concept of "adequacy of preparation" should be seen as separate from the issue of content validity. (Author/GC)

Unless the characteristics of the units accompanying measurements are known, little legitimate evaluation can occur. Educators cannot assume their measurements are valid bases for evaluative statements unless higher level techniques (such as interval and ratio scales) have been employed. Misinterpretation arises from assuming that measurements…

Discusses the arguments for and against minimum competency testing, noting that the same issues are used to support both positions. (FL)

Presents rationale to reject claims that intelligence tests validly measure intellectual ability and predict school achievement. (DW)

The cultural test bias hypothesis represents the contention that all ethnic or racial group differences on mental tests are due to inherent, artifactual biases produced within the tests through flawed psychometric methodology. This address focuses on an empirical evaluation of the cultural test bias hypothesis, especially emphasizing the construct…

The relationship between the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Classroom Edition and its predecessor, the Vineland Social Maturity Scale was examined with 54 educable and trainable mentally retarded children. The concurrent validity of the two scales was moderate. The mean scores from the newer instrument were significantly lower. (Author/CL)

The author points out the technical shortcomings inherent in traditional examinations designed to sort students and outlines more useful testing alternatives. He feels that, unfortunately, the Assessment of Performance Unit will opt for the traditional style of testing, in the name of "maintaining standards." (SJL)

Outlines some practical procedures for assessing test quality. Tests are relevant when learning outcomes have been correctly defined, when test content is aligned with instructional objectives, and when test and instructional formats are similar. Reliable tests follow administration, scoring, and interpretation procedures and consider difficulty…

The current controversy over standardized tests is not an effort to abandon assessment, rather it is an effort to develop assessment procedures that are more in keeping with a new set of educational and social assumptions. (Author/IRT)

The Nonsexist Personal Attribute Inventory for Children (NPAIC) was administered along with the Piers-Harris scale to children in fifth through eighth grade. A correlation of .49 was found between the two scales. The NPAIC was found to be a reliable, valid self-concept scale for females and males. (Author/GK)

Used computer simulation to examine the reliability of interpretations for Kaufman's "intelligent testing" approach to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd ed.) (WISC-III). Findings indicate that factor index-score differences and other measures could not be interpreted with confidence. Argues that limitations of IQ testing…

Thirty states which administer criterion-referenced tests to students with visual impairments were surveyed to determine types of accommodations they allowed in their testing programs. The survey addressed aspects of the test setting, test scheduling, test directions, test format, answer mode, and mechanical and nonmechanical aids. (Author/JDD)

Responding to Gregory Cizek's critique of the "faddishness" of direct assessment methods, this article urges a more constructive debate about the pressing issues of costs versus benefits, the place of face validity in test design, the differing needs in assessment data reporting, and assessment methods that actually improve school…