This volume was developed to enable local program personnel to determine the appropriateness of a test in relation to a child. No endorsements are made. For 68 preschool tests, the following information is presented when available: title, whether the test is for screening or verification, bibliographic information, descriptive information,…

Scores of high school students responding to the same biology cognitive preference test using both normative and ipsative procedures were compared. All subtests, whether ipsative or normative, had high alpha Cronbach coefficients. A number of similarities were found in the mean scores obtained by the two procedures, as well as moderate positive…

The article discusses recommended adaptive behavior scales for use with hearing impaired, visually impaired, and multihandicapped sensory impaired individuals. Assessment instruments developed and used in the National Independent Living Skills Project, which have applicability across sensory impaired populations, are also described. (Author/JW)

The Learning Accomplishment Profile-Diagnostic Edition and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were subjected to multitrait-multimethod analysis with 40 randomly selected preschoolers. Difficulties in the areas of convergent validity and profile interpretations of functioning were found. (TJH)

Standardized tests rely on communicative behavior. Incongruities between the language of the test giver and the test taker can result in bias. Data on communications should be consulted so that tests allow for linguistic and cultural differences. This is the only way the abilities of Blacks can be accurately assessed. (VM)

Discusses the current practice in the U.S. of standardized testing of teachers as a response to the perceived failures of public schools. Focuses on the position that this practice reduces the already low percentage of minority teachers in the schools. Reviews testing practices in various states and the consequences encountered. (SA)

Reports possible validity of particular American Indian cognitive style based on the Bannatyne categories of the Wechsler Scales. Found statistically significant pattern of spatial ability, sequential ability, and verbal conceptual ability in 75 junior and senior high school Yakima Indian students. (LFL)

Several issues facing the measurement community were brought on by the recent emphasis on stricter educational accountability measures. These testing issues include the limits of test scores, effects of testing on instruction, proper test use, importance of the test content, and defining the basics in education. (EGS)

The use of national achievement tests in schools can result in varying degrees of curricular match/mismatch with respect to local curricula. This article explores the types of mismatch which can occur, discusses the inferences made from test scores and their importance, and addresses some implications for the educational community. (EGS)

This workbook is one of six professional development manuals prepared by experienced adult assessment staff to help new adult education (AE) instructors understand how to administer and interpret standardized tests and how such standardized tests can provide one basis for instructional placement and curriculum choices. It also provides information…

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) included provisions specifying that states and districts must include students with disabilities in their assessment systems with reasonable accommodations, that states report on the performance of students with disabilities with the same detail and frequency they report on…

Standardized testing plays an increasingly important role in the lives of today's students and educators. The U.S. No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires assessment in math and literacy in grades 3-8 and 10 and, as of 2007-08, in science once in grades 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12. Based on National Center for Education Statistics enrollment projections,…

Contains 16 articles presenting issues and practices concerning assessment and appraisal as they relate to counselors. Addresses specific areas of concern to counselors and provides commentaries differing in style and emphasis. Includes discussions of issues and an integration of many practices and procedures. (RC)

Traces the development of a pencil and paper instrument which measures the change in pupils' (N=576) conception of the particle model of matter. Responses of four groups of children in grades 5-12 and university sophomore nonscience majors revealed that some cognitive difficulties are experienced at all ages. (CS)

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)