This synopsis of the Committee on Ability Testing report (see ED 213 770 and ED 213 771) discusses recent controversy over testing limitations, test fairness, admissions testing, test disclosure, and test use in public schools to improve substandard performance. (CM)

The results of a predictive validity study of the new Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) using criteria from the clinical years of undergraduate medical education are discussed. The criteria included course grades and faculty ratings of clerks in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. (Author/MLW)

Multiple-choice tests were constructed for seven problem-solving skills using learning hierarchies based on expert-novice differences and refined in three phases of field testing. Includes test reliabilities (sufficient for making judgments of group performance but insufficient in single-administration for individual assessment), validity, and…

Because the Matching Familiar Figures Test has a heavy visual perceptual loading, its usefulness for measuring cognitive style was examined with cerebral palsied students, frequently characterized by ocular anomalies and visual perceptual deficits. The students' cognitive styles were qualitatively similar to nonhandicapped. Extraocular movements…

Handicapped and nonhandicapped students were administered the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency to determine regular or specially designed physical education placement. Two of the three functions on the test were significant, indicating usefulness in placement. Fewer than half the test items for each function contributed discriminatory…

Constructed and administered self-report instruments measuring self-perceived social impact and social preference of male and female high school students (N=115). Teachers identified youths thought to fit categories of popular, amiable, isolated or rejected students. Concluded self-report and teacher nominations are unrelated assessments of…

Procedures are presented for state departments of education and the local educational agencies to share the responsibility of showing that a minimum competency test is a fair measure of what is taught. It is recommended that the state lead in technical assistance, provide models, and monitor and evaluate the entire process. (CM)

Term papers written by 42 students in two subjects were assessed by their classmates and by lecturers in the relevant subjects. No difference occurred between lecturers and students in average marks, variations in marks, agreement in marks (reliability), or relationship between marks and performance in final examinations (validity). (Author/MSE)

Teacher trainees enrolled in graduate-level, special education methods courses were asked to rate themselves on the attainment of eight teaching competencies. Their self-evaluations were correlated with independent ratings by three teacher trainers who participated as expert raters. Self-ratings and ratings by participating experts did not…

Used Light's Retention Scale totals, along with measures of achievement, and self-concept to predict academic, emotional, and social status at the end of the repeated first grade. Results suggest that Light's Retention Scale is neither reliable nor valid as a psychometric device. (Author/JAC)

Describes an experiment conducted by the English department at the University of Missouri, Columbia, in which a brief essay written at home was used to help place incoming freshmen in appropriate writing classes. (JL)

A sample of 38 ninth-grade students was tested with a randomized response questionnaire designed to ask respondents sensitive questions with the assurance that responses would remain anonymous. Results of the investigation indicate that this technique can be used effectively with ninth-grade students and with large groups of individuals to obtain…

Evaluated 11 of the most popular tests used by school psychologists in Illinois as to their technical adequacy along three dimensions: norms, reliability, and validity. Results suggested that the most popular tests used by school psychologists are not typically technically adequate devices. (Author)

Examines circumstances leading to elimination of the Professional and Administrative Career Examination (PACE), which was agreed to in the Luevano et al. v. Campbell consent decree. The validation project, the psychometric properties, and the impact on applicant flow of the PACE are summarized. Possible ramifications are discussed. (Author)

Explores the controversy surrounding truth-in-testing legislation. Presents the arguments in support of it and responses from concerned educators and opponents of legislation. At the heart of the debate is whether legislation of college admissions tests is necessary and beneficial to the education process and, ultimately, to the student.…