The article "Thinking About Linking" by Newton (2010) presents a novel philosophical perspective on the way that educational assessments should be linked. Newton starts by describing the linking framework as it was characterized in various publications and identifies a cross-cultural dimension in the definitions and uses of test…

Sound testing practices and the high-quality information that can result are helpful to those who have oversight, responsibility, or interest in American education. To the extent that tests provide high-quality information, they form the basis for making accurate judgments about individual students. It is equally true, however, that factors which…

A report of a special panel, appointed by the Board of Scientific Affairs of the American Psychological Association, which investigates the use of ability tests with disadvantaged students in the schools, focusing especially on intelligence tests. Various sections present a discussion of the theoretical rationale of human abilities underlying the…

In this interview, Leon Kamin, a prominent psychologist, rejects the theory that intelligence is transmitted by heredity. He deplores the practice of finding scientific data to support political policies, and he challenges that standardized tests-as they are now used-create social harm. (Editor/PG)

A standardized test format is used to present a criticism of present testing practices. (JH)

Condensed from "The Bulletin of the National Association of Secondary-School Principals, Volume 52 (December 1968), 32-42.

Discusses (1) perspectives from which standardized test developers, users, and interpreters must consider test results; (2) test components that affect student test performance; (3) test abuses that contribute to the shortening of tests; and (4) how educators can effect a change in the increased reliance on standardized tests. (HTH)

Noting that morality is an individual matter of choice and that a teacher must often choose in evaluation as well as in other aspects of teaching between serving "the system" or the individual learners, the author argues that a teacher must serve what he appraises to be the demands of individual students learning certain materials. (JM)

In a confidence weighting situation, the examinee is asked to indicate the correct answer, and how certain he or she is of the correctness of that answer. This paper reviews the bases for confidence marking, its validity and accuracy in evaluating students, and it's use in research. (BW)

Three case studies illustrate problems in the identification of gifted students when tests are not used appropriately. The paper concludes that testing must occur within the context of intensive observations of and discussions with the child and family. The importance of all teachers receiving training in gifted education is stressed. (DB)

Examines the desirability of standardized testing during early childhood education. The paper raises questions concerning the dangers of testing at too early an age. It is recommended that measures and procedures for developmentally appropriate assessment be developed to avoid unnecessary punishment of young children. (GLR)

The idea that validity should be considered a property of inferences, rather than of assessments, has developed slowly over the past century. In early writings about the validity of educational assessments, validity was defined as a property of an assessment. The most common definition was that an assessment was valid to the extent that it…

The monograph examines the provisions of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) regarding nondiscriminatory evaluation of handicapped students. (CL)

Highlights research on the participation of students with disabilities in statewide assessments and explores the participation and reporting issues that emerge when considering the inclusion of students with disabilities in large-scale accountability systems and assessments. Recommendations for local-level decision makers for participation and…