The fourth national goal is for American students to be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement by 2000. Although the U.S. seems outclassed by other nations, an emphasis on test comparisons is misleading because of biased relative rankings of nations and discrepancies in sampling and testing methodologies. Includes 29 references.…

Organizations sometimes find themselves doing things they don't really choose due to: (1) action anxiety, (2) negative fantasies, (3) fear of separation, and (4) reversal of risk and certainty. Application is made to psychoeducational testing in the field of learning disabilities. (DB)

This response argues that Linda Siegel's paper (EC221505) confuses measures of intelligence with predicted achievement, calls for doing away with the construct of learning disabilities rather than the discrepancy definition model, and overlooks the need to determine which students qualify for special educational services for treatment of learning…

Practices surrounding the assessment and retention of young children have been driven by: (1) mandates and symbolic messages from policymakers and the public; and (2) educators' coping behaviors and supporting beliefs. The time has come to devise and test alternative ways to enhance young children's success at school. Includes seven references.…

Describes the Child Abuse Potential Inventory and associated psychometric data. Discusses uses and misuses of the inventory, general test limitations, and screening instruments available to professionals concerned with child maltreatment. (RJC)

Argues that occupational tests can exclude racial minorities and that many industrial psychologists have overlooked evidence that many tests are biased and that some claims for validity generalization are based on faulty science. Outlines what plaintiff's counsel looks for in deciding to try a testing case, and provides primer on how to challenge…

In this interview, George Madaus explains how the misuse of tests corrupts the inferences drawn from them. He calls for cost-benefit evaluations of high stakes tests and challenges educators to seek better accountability methods, test student samples, use multiple indicators, and include teacher judgment in the process. (MLH)

It is a myth that adverse impact is either a property or a defect of employment tests. It is actually a property of the labor market, affected by disparities in academic achievement among groups. Agencies should use appropriate rigorous tests, eliminate artificial employment barriers, and consider a wide cross-section of job requirements. (SK)

Eight individuals from larger study of lay persons who interpreted Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES-III) adaptability items were interviewed in-depth concerning their understanding of adaptability items of regular FACES III and two alternate versions. Qualitative results suggest that participants may not be understanding…

Cites research to support the notion that the time of day in which the SAT is administered has a significant adverse impact on many students taking the test. Suggests that changes in testing procedures (making tests available via computer at any time of the day or year) will serve students. (RS)

Reports on two studies that indicate Role Category Questionnaire-based indicators do not reflect differences in construct system development. Shows that respondents reported their actions were intentional, goal- and other-directed, and communication. Reveals a substantial correlation between verbal efficiency and number of abstract descriptors,…

If used effectively, portfolios can be both an assessment tool and an integral part of instruction, while overcoming some attendant standardized-testing problems. New reading, writing, and mathematics assessment standards focus on student learning, reflection and critical inquiry, and integration of literacy skills with students' home, school, and…

Congress should formulate U.S. testing policy to ensure that reliable and accurate data are available to policymakers, educators, and the public and that tests are used fairly without infringing on individual rights or imposing unacceptable social costs. Appropriate test use and continued research funding must be a high priority for agencies…

Reviews literature regarding the intellectual and linguistic characteristics of Hispanic bilinguals, explores the understanding and proper use of psychometric tests with Hispanic children, and presents specific recommendations for the psychoeducational assessment of Puerto Rican bilingual children that involve the development and use of bilingual…

Major presumptions that underlie the use of early intelligence tests are presented and disputed, centering on the construct of early intelligence, reliability, prediction, standardized administration, professional acceptability, utility for decision making, and congruence with Public Law 99-457. Professional solidarity is urged in opposing the…