Total errors served as the criterion, and combined errors from the first four subtests served as the predictor. Correlation coefficients of .89 and .88 were obtained in validation and cross-validation phases. The first four subtests provide a suitable, stable estimate of the total score in this population. (Author)

Forty-six Black children (seven- through ten-years-old) referred for learning or behavior problems were administered both the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- Revised (WISC-R) and the WISC. Ss had significantly lower WISC-R than WISC score, supporting previous studies which suggest that the WISC-R norms are "tougher" than the…

Compares methods of scoring multiple-choice tests and discusses right-number scoring, guessing, and omitted items. Test instructions and answer changing are addressed, and attempts to weight test items are reviewed. It is concluded that, since innovations in test scoring are not well-established, the number right method is most appropriate. (RAO)

Subtest questions of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence are ordered from least to most difficult. Test records of 89 females and 62 males revealed though questions were misordered for the present sample, misordering was not great enough to seriously affect subtest scores or interpretation of intratest scatter. (Author)

Responds to an article that explored heterosexist bias in seven widely used assessment instruments. Praises the article's authors for raising this issue and explores their recommendation that norms appropriate to lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations be developed. Argues that bias can pervade the whole assessment process--not just the testing…

Summarizes themes from the articles in this issue: distinction between evaluation and assessment, innovation, bias, integration into program delivery, and transfer. (SK)

Evaluates situational bias that could be associated with curriculum-based measurement (CBM). During CBM, students are timed while responding. Results showed that students' accuracy levels increased under the conspicuous timing conditions, but there was no interaction between timing condition and ethnicity for digits correct per minute, digits…

Shortcomings in the measurement of cultural competence of health care and social service providers include the following: (1) failure to define individual and organizational cultural competence; (2) failure to include client/patient perspectives in design; and (3) failure to test reliability, validity, and psychometric properties of instruments.…

The authors developed a method to identify students in a large-scale assessment program who have not taken the assessment seriously. Instead of responding according to their ability, students may respond using some pattern (e.g., ABCDABCDABCD) to a series of items. This method is compared with model-based methods of identifying such response…

Outlines the series of decisions involved in selecting and then using sample papers in holistic evaluation. Attempts to make test-developers aware that they have choices to make and that their choices will have serious consequences for student and evaluator alike. (RS)

This article focuses on common errors associated with true-false, matching, completion, and essay questions as presented in textbook test manuals. Teachers should be able to select and/or adapt test questions which would be applicable to the content of their courses and which meet minimal standards for test construction. (JD)

Conducted descriptive comparison of United States and international students to examine whether or not bias exists when norm-based proficiency tests are applied across national cultures. Examined competency test scores, grade point averages, and freshmen English and mathematics grades of American and international students. Results suggest that…

Summarizes findings and anomalies of the Nation's Report Card in mathematics education. Even though most 17 year-olds know a fair amount, eighth- and ninth-graders need "numeracy" courses that review formulas, percents, use of sample surveys, and correlations, inductive and deductive logic, and basic computer commands. Includes eight…

Opposing views are expressed on the value of standardized testing (ST) in public schools. The pro-ST view argues that these tests provide comparative data needed to plan and evaluate schools and individuals. The opposing view focuses on problems of reliability, validity, and bias; and on the damage done to children. (IAH)

Explores changes affecting personnel testing and selection during past 20 years, noting that outcomes have often been antithesis of expressed or ostensible reason for change. Contends that some changes, designed to end discrimination, have institutionalized discriminatory practices as consequence of legitimizing methods of preferential treatment…