The integration of testing and learning are discussed as urgent tasks for test developers, examiners, and guidance specialists. The implications of Edmonds' concept of educational equity (see TM 506 980) and Krumboltz's view of the role of testing in guidance (see TM 506 981) are analyzed. (CM)

The history of test development and the current controversy over standardized testing are reviewed. The consequences of testing, particularly for minority groups, are outlined, and criticism of some viewpoints of professors Robert Ebel and Melvin Tumin is made. (Author/AL)

An essential element in establishing educational equity is the use of educational testing and standardized norm-referenced tests, in particular, to identify and analyze problems in school effectiveness. The performance of children from low-income families is the best indicator of school response to minimum skills needs. (CM)

Three students' concerns about testing range from the conditions under which tests are taken to what tests actually measure, to the personal sacrifices high school students must make to take nationally administered examinations. (Author/CM)

The primary mechanism at Xavier University for obtaining a balance between maintaining achievement standards and providing support to underprepared students is the general use of testing at the freshman level to evaluate students and course effectiveness. Traditional course content, a structured tutorial program, and standardized examinations…

American Federation of Teachers research shows that teachers are critical of many aspects of testing, but would prefer to see tests improved rather than eliminated. They are interested in tests as a part of instructional programs and recognize that testing information is only one of many criteria used in evaluation. (Author/CM)

Where human beings are concerned and complex behavior is involved, prediction of future performance is no simple matter. Scientifically developed, systematically standardized and carefully validated tests have emerged as the most reliable tools in predictive efficacy. If opponents of standardized testing win, society will lose. (Author/CM)

In the absence of tests, society would be faced with restricted and subjective bases for evaluating students and educational programs. Among the benefits lost would be diagnosis of learning needs, sorting of individuals by skills, feedback to students to cope with school stresses, and transmitting of intellectual values. (Author/CM)

The American Federation of Teachers' basic concept of testing includes the idea that public education remains accountable to the public for its actions and that standardized tests are one measure of educational performance. (Author/CM)

Parents are interested in testing, but they need information about what types of tests are given to their children, what tests measure, and how tests can be used constructively. Standardized tests are the particular concern of parents because they believe testing is an integral part of education. (Author/CM)

Tests are used in hopes that disclosure of accomplishments will be made, but teachers sometimes feel they are being penalized for giving consideration to the whole child's development instead of concentrating on drill that would result in higher test scores. Standardized tests cause apprehension about control of student placement and instruction.…

In situations where there are enormous pressures to produce "good" test results, standardized testing can be a very painful experience, but there are ways of using test data to help in the educational process. California assessment data are disseminated widely to school districts in meaningful diagnostic displays. (Author/CM)

Parents have needs, rights, interests, and responsibilities to know how standardized tests are used in the schools and to call attention to inaccurate test results; to judge the quality of education reflected by tests; and to have information to understand tests to help assess their children's abilities and achievement. (Author/CM)

A discussion on the tension between university organizational interests and individual student interests with respect to the use of admissions tests is presented. Responsibilities of colleges and professional schools toward an increasingly pluralistic society are examined, and the need for more research on evaluating human competencies is urged.…