Tests of mental ability provide the most precise and efficient means of assessing a person's structure of knowledge. Tests help in cultivating cognitive competence, in developing and identifying excellence. The harmful consequences of not testing are outlined. (Author/AL)

Examines and rejects nine reasons given by educators for opposing externally designed tests. Suggests a tenth, unvoiced reason that may be the most valid: that testing may reveal deficiencies in the school's educational program. (PGD)

A defense of testing is given. The author examines opposition to and criticism of testing, and discusses teaching to the test, effects on curricula, and test bias. (MK)

Six current issues in the use of tests are examined in this paper. Are the tests used in education valid? In general and to a reasonably satisfactory extent they are. Is the emphasis these tests place on cognitive achievements a serious limitation? Because of the basic and pervasive role of cognition in human affairs, and in the absence of any…

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

This report presents a thematic summary of the AERA papers dealing with test development, interpretation, and use, presented at the 1971 meeting in New York City. Papers were grouped into the following categories: test development and validation; inventory development and validation; measurement of creativity; factors in test performance; use of…

This textbook is intended for use in an introductory course in the use of tests in schools and colleges. The book is divided into five parts: (1) history and philosophy--educational measurement, historical perspectives; Measurement and the process of education; (2) classroom test development--what should achievement tests measure?; How should…

The author concludes that testing in basic education is indispensable. Several objections to external testing are discussed. (Author/MLF)

Many college teachers are opposed to true-false tests because they feel that such tests do not reflect the extent and depth of a student's knowledge and understanding of his subject. However, true-false tests, properly constructed, can be extremely valuable instruments in measuring academic achievement. (CK)

Contrary to the impression which exists in some quarters, criterion-referenced measurements are not a recent development that modern technology has made possible and that effective education requires. The use of criterion-referenced measurements can not be expected to improve significantly our evaluations of educational achievement. The major…