Classical test theory is founded on the proposition that measurement error, a random latent variable, is a component of the observed score random variable. This article traces the history of the development of classical test theory, beginning in the early 20th century. (SLD)

Earlier metaphors of schools as factories and children as raw products have had powerful effects on opinions about schools. However, an analysis of education spending and test scores, international and domestic, shows that U.S. schools offer good value. Comparison of public schools in nonpoverty areas with private schools reveals little…