This chapter introduces theory that undergirds the role of testing adaptations in assessment, provides examples of item modifications and testing accommodations, reviews research relevant to each, and introduces a new paradigm that incorporates opportunity to learn (OTL), academic enablers, testing adaptations, and inferences that can be made from…

Extended time is one of the most common testing accommodations provided to students with disabilities. It is also controversial; critics of extended time accommodations argue that extended time is used too readily, without concern for how it changes the skills measured by tests, leading to scores that cannot be compared fairly with those of other…

Questions have been raised about what criteria to use in selecting, training, and hiring teachers, and when those measures should be taken--at the time of entrance to teacher preparation programs or at the end of training and at the time of certification. Another question concerns the demonstrated teaching competency of the teachers selected and…

Although many parents remain unfamiliar with the testing programs offered in their children's schools, recent surveys show that parent groups are becoming increasingly interested in the critical issues surrounding testing. Parents should assume responsiblity for monitoring the progress of their children and learn the facts about standardized…

Language testing historians have tended to ignore a significant period in the evolution of language tests, the years 1883-1929. In the earliest years, testing focused on knowledge about, not of, the language and reflected the teaching of Latin and Greek more than that of living languages. Grammatical formalism and translation were emphasized, and…

A defense of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) in response to previous articles in this issue of this journal is presented by the test developer. The defense is detailed and addresses each previous article. (JKS)

Examines accuracy evaluation in published testing programs of the following: J. M. Cattell; C. Spearman; A. Binet; L. M. Terman; R. M. Yerkes; E. L. Thorndike; and W. D. Scott. Developing community and consensus on testing required convergence between theorists and practitioners. (SLD)

The topic of high-stakes testing (HST) is important because HST has direct and indirect effects on career-technical education (CTE) programs and timely because HST increasingly enters public discussion and has produced a large body of research and practice that generalizes to CTE. A review of HST has identified two persisting dilemmas: policy and…

Describes testing programs in Canada and suggests cautions to be used in psychological and diagnostic testing. Also discusses the use of standardized tests, computers, test validity and effectiveness, and parent attitudes. The demands of accountability and better management require counselor attention to testing and guidance. (JAC)

Validity data are provided for the Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children (ABIC) and the Estimated Learning Potential (ELP) which are components of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA). Results lead the author to conclude that caution is indicated in the use of the two procedures. (JKS)

Following a critique of so-called educational testing, this article examines three "educationally noteworthy school testing programs"--those of Portland, Oregon; Orange County, Florida; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and one noteworthy school with no standardized testing: the Prospect School in Bennington, Vermont. Derives some broad…

Teacher education is faced with critical problems, including establishing its own credibility. One assumption often made is that other professions do a more creditable job of monitoring those who enter their ranks and that teacher education might profit by emulating those groups who have been presumably more successful. The concept of relicensing…

Papers are presented that were prepared as part of a study group of the International Council for Educational Development on criteria and procedures for admission to higher education and the relationship between higher education and the law. In "Access to Higher Education and the Law," Larry G. Simon analyzes the role of law and especially the…

These four serial issues examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of a variety of assessment tests as well as their relationship to developmental education. Included are reviews of the following tests: (1) the Comparative Guidance and Placement Program, a self-scoring test of English and mathematics; (2) the Stanford Achievement Test, an…

A review of the significant research on gender differences in test performance is provided, including studies documenting these differences and theories forwarded for the factors related to differential test performance. Research covered addresses undergraduate admissions tests, graduate and professional school admission tests, validity studies,…