This review critiques the highly-praised and influential 2001 study, "Getting Tough? The Impact of High School Graduation Exams," which concluded that "minimum competency," or high school "graduation exams," had no effect on student achievement. The review compares the test classifications of "Getting…

The representativeness, recency, and size of norm samples strongly influence the accuracy of inferences drawn from their scores. Inadequate norm samples may lead to inflated or deflated scores for individuals and poorer prediction of developmental and academic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to apply Kranzler and Floyd's method for…

G. Burket's criticisms regarding calculation and interpretation of group scores on norm-referenced tests are discussed. Burket and Baglin seem to agree on the existence of a problem in the calculation and interpretation of group scores on norm-referenced tests but disagree on the issue of that problem's causes and solutions. (TJH)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests. (JF)

This response to the Baglin paper (1986) points out the fallacy in inferring that inappropriate scaling procedures cause apparent discrepancies between medians and means and between means calculated using different units. (LMO)

The paper discusses concepts fundamental to proper use of norm-referenced tests, considers common errors in the use, and suggests alternatives to norm-referenced testing for certain assessment purposes. A hypothetical client is used to illustrate errors including the use of age-equivalent scores as the sole summary of test results. (Author/CL)

Correlations with Binet IQ in the ITPA normative sample were corrected for restricted intelligence range. The corrected correlation for the Psycholinguistic Quotient is as high as that between the WISC and the Binet, a finding that raises a serious question about the construct validity of the ITPA. (Author)

This paper looks at some of the problems arising from the procedures used by the Queensland, Australia, Board of Secondary School Studies to compile percentile scores known as Tertiary Entrance Scores. Although efforts to equate across schools and across subjects are being challenged, at present there is no alternative. (LMO)

Examines seven criticisms of standardized achievement tests, including their failure to promote student learning, predict individual students' performance, and match test content with curriculum content. However, a teacher's insights into her students' learning, combined with properly interpreted standardized test results, can provide a balanced…

Discussed are five aspects of testing the oral language production of young native speakers of English, the validity of such testing, the relationship of tests to everyday speech activities, and the irrelevance of models drawn from foreign language testing. (Author/KC)

Questions are raised regarding the validity of norm-referenced tests and mass testing as accurate methods for evaluating student educational needs. (LH)

Suggests that when MMPI responses are secured from black samples and interpreted according to traditional actuarial or code book descriptions the questionnaire is capable of working against the welfare of man. (Author/AM)

Presents problems in intelligence testing, then proposes rationale to cease the administration of intelligence tests. (DW)

Contained in this packet on standardized tests and testing in English is a miscellany of materials written by students, teachers, researchers, test makers, and others about the uses, abuses, and misuses of standardized tests. The materials are not intended to be a definitive study of the standardized test in English but rather to provoke…